A closer look at Roark CapitalA closer look at Roark Capital

Charlie Duerr

While no stranger to the restaurant industry, Roark Capital Group grabbed national headlines last week with its high-profile purchases of Arby’s and Corner Bakery/Il Fornaio.

The Atlanta-based private-equity firm, which focuses on middle-market investment opportunities, has more than 25 companies in its portfolio, more than ten of which are now restaurant brands.

Nation’s Restaurant News looks at Roark Capital’s investment history, from its first restaurant acquisition in 2001, with the purchase of ice cream brand Carvel Corp. to its 2010 purchase of Wingstop and beyond. Along the way the firm formed Focus Brand Inc. — Roark’s affiliate that was created with the purchases of Carvel, Cinnabon and Seattle’s Best Coffee, all while adhering to a strategy that founder and managing partner Neal Aronson says is to buy high-quality, well-known brands.

TIMELINE: Roark Capital’s restaurant acquisitions

RELATED: Roark Capital purchases Corner Bakery, Il Fornaio
                   Arby’s sold to Roark Capital for $430M

Contact Charlie Duerr at [email protected].