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Karen Kenworthy, partner, Stripes Group
Karen Kenworthy has spearheaded several investments in the food industry as a partner in New York-based Stripes Group, a boutique private equity firm that seeks to nurture the entrepreneurial drive of the companies it supports financially.
Stripes’ acumen around recruiting and developing talent, as well as its own entrepreneurial passion, are assets to the companies it invests in, Kenworthy explained in a statement on the company’s website.
Among Stripes’ fast-growing foodservice industry holdings is Snooze an A.M. Eatery, the Denver-based chain where Kenworthy serves on the board of directors.
“Their focus on culture has attracted a highly engaged, talented and energetic team who all work together to create an experience for guests that stands out in the restaurant industry,” she said in a statement at the time of the investment.
With Stripes’ financial backing, Snooze has expanded from 17 restaurants in late 2016 to more than 30 locations at the end of 2018. Further expansion is planned for 2019, according to reports, including the first Snooze on the East Coast.
Kenworthy has also been involved with Stripes Group’s investments in restaurant delivery service GrubHub and with meal kit delivery platform Blue Apron, among other food and consumer technology holdings.
