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Roark Capital acquires Nothing Bundt CakesRoark Capital acquires Nothing Bundt Cakes

The Inspire Brands and Focus Brands majority investor has acquired the 390-unit bundt cake bakery

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

May 14, 2021

1 Min Read
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Joanna Fantozzi

Atlanta-based private equity firm Roark Capital — majority investors of Inspire Brands (Dunkin’, Arby’s, Sonic Drive-In) and Focus Brands (Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Cinnabon) — announced Friday the acquisition of Addison, Texas-based, 390-unit bakery chain, Nothing Bundt Cakes from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners.

Nothing Bundt Cakes was founded in 1997 and specializes in bundt cakes and generates $470 million of system sales across the U.S. and Canada. The brand is now positioned for continued growth in existing and new markets.

“Roark is a best-in-class partner that shares our values of transparency and excellence and has deep expertise with its incredible portfolio of brands,” Nothing Bundt Cakes CEO Kyle Smith said in a statement. “We look forward to working with them to enhance support for our bakery owners and continue growing our system while maintaining the joy-giving experience our brand has offered guests for nearly 25 years.

The acquisition represents Roark’s 29th restaurant investment and 92nd franchise/multi-location brand.

“Nothing Bundt Cakes is a special brand with delicious products that are beloved by guests,” Clay Harmon, managing director of Roark said in a statement. “We have great admiration for what Kyle and his team have accomplished and are excited to partner with them.”

North Point served as the lead financial advisor, with support from Baird, and Honigman LLP served as legal counsel to Nothing Bundt Cakes in connection with the sale.

Contact Joanna at [email protected]

Find her on Twitter: @JoannaFantozzi

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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