Washington, D.C.-based “Jew-ish” deli concept Call Your Mother announced an investment partnership with private equity firm Invus, through Artal Group, for an undisclosed financial amount. Invus was the lead investor in the Series B funding for CAVA Group in 2015 before the Mediterranean concept became one of the hottest fast-casual restaurants in the industry.
With the financial investment from Invus, Call Your Mother will focus on expanding its footprint in new and existing markets, but will retain its leadership team, including cofounders CEO Andrew Dana and his wife, executive chef, Daniela Moreira. Both appeared on NRN’s Power List in 2022.
“About this time last year, we took a step back and realized we could not plan anything more than six months in advance because everything was done on a shoestring budget,” Dana said. “We knew we wanted to find a partner that could really put some wind in our sails. … From the first time we met [Invus], it was love at first sight. They like our ethos and don’t want to change a thing. They just want to support us where we need it.”
Currently, Call Your Mother serves its menu of modern twists on Jewish deli classics (like a bagel sandwich topped with pastrami, spicy honey, egg, and cheese) at 17 locations in the Washington, D.C., metro area and Denver. However, Dana believes there’s room for expansion in new cities.
“One of our main initiatives this year is to build a new, better commissary in D.C. that will give us a little more space and state of the art equipment to make our product even better and more consistent,” he said. “Plus, we’re going to bring on some new technology, build an app, and then eventually go to a third market.”
Although Dana is unsure where Call Your Mother will settle next, he is looking for a city with a vibrant social scene, which could be “anywhere from Nashville to Boston to Miami to Raleigh.”
Dana added that he would not have partnered with a private equity firm that wanted to “make a quick investment and then flip it.” Besides CAVA, Invus has also partnered with other emerging chains like Korean fast-casual chain SeoulSpice and Hattie B’s Nashville hot chicken concept.
“Andrew and Daniela have created something truly exceptional with Call Your Mother, blending innovation and authenticity in a way that stands out,” said Justin Barstein, managing director at Invus, in a statement. “We see incredible potential for its continued growth and are thrilled to partner with them to bring their unique deli experience to more communities.”
For this deal, Harrington Park Advisors served as financial advisor and Blank Rome served as legal advisor to Call Your Mother. Patterson Belknap served as legal advisor and BDO served as financial and tax advisor to Invus.
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