CapitalSpring

As we move toward 2025, the restaurant industry finds itself at a pivotal moment. With the aftershocks of the pandemic still remotely influencing economic and operational conditions, the industry is adapting to new realities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=capitalsprings-perspective-on-the-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-and-2025-predictions-2728362" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jim Balis</a>, partner and head of strategic operations for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitalspring.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=capitalsprings-perspective-on-the-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-and-2025-predictions-2728362" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CapitalSpring</a> — a leading provider of private equity and debt capital solutions — offers a candid look at the trends, challenges and shifts likely to shape the restaurant landscape in the coming year. His insights underscore the industry’s resilience, the need for strategic realignment and the growing importance of innovation in both operations and team/customer engagement.<h3>A New Era of Closures and Portfolio Realignment</h3>Founders and C-suite are coming to terms with economic conditions, ever changing dynamics such as the move to off-premise, geographic traffic shifts, and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/the-top-strategies-for-restaurateurs-to-combat-ongoing-impacts-of-inflation-2725868">inflation and labor</a> headwinds.&nbsp; Restaurant companies need to be thinking short and long term about how to adapt to and prepare for these changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, if you have underperforming locations that are taking time and dollars to turn around, think about a deadline for closure - some of the quickest hits to ebitda might be closing underperforming restaurants.&nbsp; Look around and you will see many companies are making the decision to accept their losses and close underperforming locations.&nbsp; In fact, as closures become more ubiquitous, it provides a bit of air mitigating potential negative PR that can come from closures.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We are entering a new era, with more restaurants closing or filing for bankruptcy now than we’ve seen outside of the pandemic," said Balis. “I often meet with leaders and advise them to take a hard look at the benefit of closing units that drag down their overall business. You need to be playing the long game here. What does your business look like from an AUV and four-wall margin standpoint without these units? And what happens when you and your team have more time to focus on optimizing successful units? There is not just a limit to financial capital but to human capital as well. As you peel back the layers of the onion, you will probably see that the decision to close a restaurant (or restaurants) becomes clear.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Balis points to recent closures, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.costar.com/article/1433547256/wendys-to-shutter-140-locations-as-number-of-us-restaurant-closings-grows?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=capitalsprings-perspective-on-the-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-and-2025-predictions-2728362" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wendy’s decision to shutter 140 locations</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dennys-closures-restaurants-68a38e40337f4650425c45069997b875?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=capitalsprings-perspective-on-the-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-and-2025-predictions-2728362" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Denny's decision to do the same</a>, as indicators of a broader trend. "You are going to see restaurant companies continue to cleanse themselves going into 2025” said Balis. The industry, he suggests, is learning that sometimes the most strategic move is to scale down.<h3>Consolidation and Strategic Investments</h3>With growth opportunities evolving, consolidation is likely to intensify within the industry. Balis predicts that strategic investments will shift towards brands with potential for sustainable growth and operational efficiencies. "You are probably going to see strategic investments at earlier stages," he said, especially as banks show less enthusiasm for earlier stage high-growth restaurant companies due to perceived risks. "That is where investors who want to ‘pour gas on the fire’ can come in."&nbsp; <a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/capitalspring-celebrates-impressive-2023-looks-to-2024-to-build-continued-momentum-2724691">CapitalSpring’s position as a leading investor</a> allows them to capitalize on these opportunities, providing financial and strategic resources to brands poised for growth.In sum, the restaurant industry is entering 2025 with a more cautious, yet focused outlook. As brands reassess their portfolios, refine growth strategies and invest in technology, the future promises a streamlined, resilient industry ready to meet the challenges ahead.<h3>Dining Trends and Changing Consumer Loyalty</h3>Convenience remains king, with drive-thru restaurants increasingly viewed as essential. According to Balis, "We tend to be convenience-focused; anytime there is a survey of consumers asking what they are looking for when they choose a dining option, typically their top answer is convenience." Convenience is obviously location/distance, as well as ease of ordering through digital channels and pick-up. Thinking about the number of clicks to complete an order or dedicated parking/pick-up areas can facilitate the convenience of off-premise. As you think about locating restaurants without drive-thru’s make sure to consider all of the site characteristics relevant to your brand, such as sufficient parking, ease of ingress/egress, visibility, signage, co-tenancy, etc.&nbsp; Each should be weighted differently depending upon your business model. As brands compete for a broader consumer base, they’re also rethinking loyalty programs to drive deeper engagement. “From a company perspective, you are going to see a disruption in loyalty,” Balis said, hinting at a future where loyalty benefits may extend beyond traditional points. “What am I really getting out of my loyalty program? It is likely that your current loyalty program is discounting a consumer that is already highly engaged with your brand — as they have downloaded your app or are looking for that call-to-action text/email.&nbsp; Driving incrementality from lapsed consumers is enormously challenging so think about how to bring that customer back and then how to keep them.&nbsp; Traditional points or spend based loyalty programs will slowly go away and be replaced by more creative offers - such as with other local businesses or events.” &nbsp; Balis predicts a move toward unique experiences and partnerships — perhaps with athletes or other influencers — that enhance the consumer experience and foster a stronger brand connection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another trend Balis identifies is the increasing presence of diverse ethnic flavors in restaurant offerings. "You are going to see the infusion of a lot more ethnicity on the menu," he said, even in traditional categories like burgers. Limited-time offers (LTOs) will provide consumers with opportunities to try innovative, culture-inspired dishes. This will cater to an audience that values variety and is willing to explore new flavors.<h3>Technological Transformation, Front and Back of House</h3>Technology’s influence on the restaurant industry is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/ai-and-automation-are-making-a-huge-impact-on-the-restaurant-industry-in-2024-2726097">expanding</a>, touching both customer-facing and operational aspects of the business. "The leveraging of technology, the migration to kiosks — like it or not — is definitely happening," Balis said. We will likely see this go a step further with facial recognition for loyalty and payment - making these experiences even more seamless and customized. While kiosks are&nbsp;<a href="https://foodinstitute.com/focus/food-kiosks/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=capitalsprings-perspective-on-the-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-and-2025-predictions-2728362" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">already common</a> in front-of-house operations, Balis sees significant potential for technology to streamline back-of-house processes. "The KDS [kitchen display systems] are going to bring a migration away from text to pictures — instead of seeing verbiage on a KDS screen, you’ll see an actual build-to picture,” he said. “Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what language you speak, you will be able to understand and make the order. This has proven to improve order accuracy significantly.”&nbsp; PerfectCo is one of the few KDS platforms offering this solution. Beyond operational improvements, technology is also becoming a valuable tool for enhancing employee engagement and addressing high turnover rates, which is essential in today’s labor market.<h3>Consolidation and Strategic Investments</h3>With growth opportunities evolving, consolidation is likely to intensify within the industry. Balis predicts that strategic investments will shift towards brands with potential for sustainable growth and operational efficiencies. "You are probably going to see strategic investments at earlier stages," he said, especially as banks show less enthusiasm for earlier stage high-growth restaurant companies due to perceived risks. "That is where investors who want to ‘pour gas on the fire’ can come in."&nbsp; <a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/capitalspring-celebrates-impressive-2023-looks-to-2024-to-build-continued-momentum-2724691">CapitalSpring’s position as a leading investor</a> allows them to capitalize on these opportunities, providing financial and strategic resources to brands poised for growth.In sum, the restaurant industry is entering 2025 with a more cautious, yet focused outlook. As brands reassess their portfolios, refine growth strategies and invest in technology, the future promises a streamlined, resilient industry ready to meet the challenges ahead.For more information on CapitalSpring, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring">https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring</a>.ABOUT CAPITALSPRING:CapitalSpring is a leading institutional investor with deep expertise in food service, multi-location business models and related industries. For over 17 years, we have supported proven management teams with financial, strategic, and operational resources to accelerate growth and realize their businesses' full potential. CapitalSpring offers one-stop solutions for a broad range of investments, including private equity, mezzanine capital and senior lending and has offices in Nashville, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York. For more information about CapitalSpring, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.capitalspring.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=capitalsprings-perspective-on-the-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-and-2025-predictions-2728362" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.capitalspring.com</a>.

The State of the Restaurant Industry in 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Predictions

1851 Franchise

From mass closures to revamped loyalty programs, here are some of the trends that are likely to shape the restaurant landscape in 2025, according to Jim Balis, partner at CapitalSpring.

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CapitalSpring’s Perspective on the State of the Restaurant Industry and 2025 Predictions

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Through a strategic partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitalspring.com/">CapitalSpring</a>, the fast casual franchise concept&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cafeyumm.com/about/">Café Yumm!</a> is modernizing its systems, expanding its reach and strengthening its ability to serve guests across the Pacific Northwest while staying true to the mission and values that have defined the brand for more than three decades.“Café Yumm! was co-founded in the 1990’s. One of its cofounders, Mary Ann Beauchamp, was an Army brat who traveled extensively around the world. Her dad liked beans, her mom liked rice, and she liked both. So a lot of her recipes were connecting those two ingredients,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-boone-223835270">Kim Boone</a>, president of Café Yumm! “The signature Yumm! Sauce she created was originally meant to entice her toddlers to eat at restaurants. At the restaurant she owned, she cooked all the ethnic dishes she loved, but the rice and bean bowl with its signature sauce was what made the restaurant so popular. The name of the brand is derived from how much the customers loved the dish!”From the beginning, the founders built the company around a triple bottom line mindset — people, planet and profits — long before it became a widespread business standard.“When we make decisions, it might not always be the highest profitability decision,” Boone said. “We start everyone at Café Yumm! 10% over minimum wage, for example, and then they can earn up to three to four raises in the first few months. We have a really great benefits package, and we feed people a meal every day.”The combination of values-based decision-making and a simple, well-executed operating model made franchising a natural step for expansion. “Around 2005, the cofounders realized that they needed to franchise to grow the brand quickly,” Boone said. “It was easy to franchise; they had developed a great business model with simple processes.”Today, Café Yumm! operates 22 restaurants across the Pacific Northwest, with five franchised locations, and has expanded into consumer packaged goods through a growing grocery line.<h2>Why Café Yumm! Chose CapitalSpring</h2>The next phase of growth required a partner aligned not only with the brand’s ambitions, but also with its worldview.The decision to partner with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info">CapitalSpring</a> came after a significant turning point for the company. “The founder’s husband passed away a few years ago, and that is when we started embarking on this new growth phase,” Boone said. “We engaged a broker and they introduced us to CapitalSpring.”Before closing the transaction, both teams invested significant time in getting to know one another. That process reaffirmed their alignment in mission and philosophy. “We were recently at a conference and I had so many people tell us how wonderful it is to work with the CapitalSpring team,” Boone said. “Having that validation from others was really neat.”For Boone,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/capitalspring-franchise-times-webinar-emerging-brand-growth-2730527#featured">CapitalSpring’s reputation and relational approach</a> made all the difference. “It’s their network of resources that is so important, whether it be working with consultants on packaging and design, or the real estate team, or the data and technology experts,” she said. “We wouldn’t have access to consultants or vendors of this caliber without them.”<h2>Supply Chain, Marketing Repositioning and Real Estate Support</h2>As Café Yumm! prepared for multi-unit expansion, it became clear that major upgrades to the brand’s infrastructure were necessary. For years, the company relied on legacy systems simply because investing in new ones wasn’t feasible.“We had systems that served us as a small brand, but to cue us up for strategic growth, we had to revamp,” Boone said.When it comes to technology, for example,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/capitalspring-franchise-private-equity-podcast-2729867#featured">CapitalSpring’s support unlocked a full modernization plan</a>. “We’ve worked with a tech consultant; we are revamping our entire tech stack with accounting software, business intelligence software, everything,” Boone said. “We’re launching a new POS with&nbsp;<a href="https://pos.toasttab.com/">Toast</a>. The reporting capabilities are great, but we didn’t have the capital before to invest in these.”One of the biggest breakthroughs came from implementing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chabi.io/">Chabi</a>, a business intelligence platform that aggregates data across the new tech stack. “We never had access even to entertain the idea of business intelligence,” Boone said, “but now we can look at our business and metrics in a way we never have before.”Boone emphasizes the transformative impact the partnership has had on the team. “The tech consultant CapitalSpring introduced us to spending 20 to 30 hours with our team just talking about challenges and opportunities,” she said. “They crafted a full plan for us. We would never have had access to someone of that caliber.” And the impact extends far beyond technology.“They’ve introduced us to supply vendors we haven’t had access to,” Boone said. “With only 22 units and a small CPG line, we wouldn’t have access to a vendor of this caliber. Those umbrella contracts create a ton of value and help with logistics, too.”Café Yumm! is also refreshing its consumer brand and marketing strategy to meet the expectations of younger audiences. “The company has been around a long time, and the target market has been moms and millennials,” Boone said. “As Gen Z enters the workforce, we are repositioning our marketing. It’s been incredibly helpful to lean on their expertise.”On the development side, CapitalSpring’s analytics-driven real estate process is reshaping how the brand evaluates new markets. “They offer new site selection assistance; they can analyze data to determine the average income, traffic patterns, and more,” Boone said. “It changes the whole approach.”<h2>A Growth Plan Built for the Future and Built on Data</h2>With CapitalSpring as a strategic partner, Café Yumm! is pursuing a two-pronged growth plan: expanding company-owned restaurants in the Pacific Northwest and scaling its CPG line into a national brand.Much of that growth will come from data-driven operational improvements. “We’re taking a look at all of our costs and finding ways to reduce them,” Boone said. “We are transitioning to an item-based scheduling model and taking a hard look at labor. A lot of that comes back to the tech stack and the data now at our fingertips.”Boone says the relationship works because&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/capitalsprings-perspective-on-the-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-and-2025-predictions-2728362">the CapitalSpring team challenges the brand to think differently</a> while still respecting the culture.“CapitalSpring’s approach to business and the way they think about metrics is that they ask a lot of questions and challenge our thinking, but they do it in a way that is focused and thoughtful,” she said. “Not all private equity firms are like that.”For a mission-driven brand like Café Yumm!, choosing the right partner was essential. With CapitalSpring, Boone says, the team has found an investor that sees the brand’s potential while respecting the values that have shaped it.“I truly believe that the cultural fit was the most important part,” she said. “CapitalSpring has been exactly the kind of partner we hoped for: supportive, collaborative and deeply invested in our long-term success.”For more information on CapitalSpring visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info">https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info</a>.The statements above represent the opinions of founders and senior executives of portfolio companies in which private funds advised by CapitalSpring have invested. These individuals are not clients of CapitalSpring and have not received any compensation for their endorsement. Because their companies benefit from a relationship with CapitalSpring, including&nbsp;investments by CapitalSpring and private funds that we advise, conflicts of interest may exist. Past performance is not indicative of future results. These endorsements should not be interpreted as investment advice or recommendations.

How CapitalSpring Is Powering the Next Era of Growth for Café Yumm!

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primepizza.la/">Prime Pizza LA</a> opened its first shop on Fairfax in 2014, the goal wasn’t simply to make pizza. It was to fill a cultural void.“We are two huge pizza fans — both of our dads are from New York, and I lived there for five years,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zak-fishman-b04bab101/">Zak Fishman</a>, CEO and co-founder of Prime Pizza LA. “When I came back to LA in 2012 and started working with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starr-198947291/">James [Starr]</a> on his restaurants, we both lamented the fact that LA didn’t have any NY-style pizza. It was a different landscape back then. We really wanted to change that.”What came next became one of Los Angeles’ most beloved slice shops — a by-the-slice, neighborhood-rooted concept built on authenticity, craft and a relentless commitment to doing things the right way.“It was very important to us that it was by the slice,” Fishman said. “That is what was really missing. There wasn’t a strong slice-culture. We hired one of the best pizza makers in Brooklyn and he came out to help us develop the recipes. Two weeks later, we were off and running.”For the next 10 years, Prime Pizza grew methodically and deliberately, expanding to seven high-performing locations across LA county. But by 2024, the founders wanted a bigger future — one that required the right strategic partner.“We were at seven locations and we really wanted to grow faster and bigger,” Fishman said. “That’s when we went out looking for a capital partner.”They found that partner in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitalspring.com/">CapitalSpring</a>.<h2>Why Prime Pizza Chose CapitalSpring</h2>From the beginning of the search process, Fishman and his team were focused on finding an investor who&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/capitalsprings-perspective-on-the-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-and-2025-predictions-2728362">understood the restaurant business at an operational level</a> — not one who would simply provide a check and step back.“A lot of private equity groups are really leading from a finance perspective,” Fishman said. “They are all finance people — that is their background — and they aren’t really getting into the operations with you very much, nor do they understand the nuances of our industry.”“What really attracted us to CapitalSpring is that they put a heavy emphasis on the operations side,” he said. “They have multiple partners in the firm who are true operators - having grown up in operations like I did. They are real restaurant operators. That differentiates them from other investment firms — they want to work hand in hand with us to improve operations and not just write a big check and tell us to open a million locations.”The alignment was immediate. “We were very lucky to find CapitalSpring early on in the process,” Fishman said. “We both locked in and both parties knew the other was the right partner.”The deal closed at the end of 2024, marking the start of a new era for Prime Pizza.<h2>Real Operational Support, Not Just Capital</h2>Once the partnership was formalized, the day-to-day differences became clear.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info">CapitalSpring</a> wasn’t just advising from a distance — they were working alongside our team in meaningful, practical ways.“There is a huge operational lift that they do themselves because we are a small team and still building out our corporate team,” Fishman said. “We didn’t have a CFO or in-house accounting. They are doing a lot of the lifting on financial reporting. We’re having weekly calls with them. They are sending our weekly sales emails. They are putting together the board decks. That is typically something your internal team would be doing, but since we are such a small company, we don’t have the resources yet. All of this gives us time to focus on our business, opening stores, executing against the guest and building a team so we can take on these responsibilities ourselves.”In fact, CapitalSpring played a direct role in strengthening the company’s leadership infrastructure. “They helped lead the search for our CFO — who we just hired,” Fishman said.&nbsp;Beyond staffing and financial infrastructure, CapitalSpring also opened up an entire ecosystem of vetted partners, vendors and cost-saving opportunities.“Now, it’s a lot of sharing resources that they have success with across their other portfolio companies,” Fishman said. “That means it might be a chemical company, a financial services company, bookkeeping services — all different vendors across the restaurant spectrum. They think it could save us money or add value in some way, and they bring those partners to us. That is the most common way they add value to our back office and save money at the store level.”The partnership has already yielded tangible expansion. “We opened locations eight and nine this year with CapitalSpring,” Fishman said. “We are opening six stores next year and hoping to stay in that region of growth for the foreseeable future.”<h2>A Partner That Respects the Brand</h2>Above all, Fishman emphasizes the cultural fit.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/capitalspring-franchise-times-webinar-emerging-brand-growth-2730527#featured">CapitalSpring’s approach aligns closely with the founders’ values</a> — collaborative, respectful and focused on building a sustainable culture focused on people.“Part of the value in CapitalSpring is that they are not a heavy-handed organization,” Fishman said. “They invest in concepts they think are really great — they aren’t picking up a bunch of distressed assets and shoving solutions on them. They are investing in quality concepts they trust. It is very much collaborative: ‘You’ve done a great job getting the company to this point; let us help you in the next stage.’”For Fishman, that was non-negotiable. “They don’t just say, ‘We are in charge now, so do it this way,’” he said. “Rather they listened to us, learned our business and supported us where they felt they could add value.&nbsp; That is one of the most important things I needed to find in a partner.”The brand now has the capital, infrastructure, and operational backbone to grow at a pace that once felt out of reach, Fishman says. And just as importantly, it has a partner that respects the ethos behind the brand.With nine units open, six more on the way, and a long-term goal of becoming a 40- to 50-unit concept, Prime Pizza LA is stepping into its next decade stronger than ever.For more information on CapitalSpring, visit:<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info">&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info</a>.The statements above represent the opinions of founders and senior executives of portfolio companies in which private funds advised by CapitalSpring have invested. These individuals are not clients of CapitalSpring and have not received any compensation for their endorsement. Because their companies benefit from a relationship with CapitalSpring, including investments by CapitalSpring and private funds that we advise, conflicts of interest may exist. Past performance is not indicative of future results. These endorsements should not be interpreted as investment advice or recommendations.

How CapitalSpring Is Fueling Prime Pizza's Next Era of Expansion

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bushfirekitchen.com/">Bushfire Kitchen</a> set out to bring globally inspired, high-quality meals to Southern California diners at an accessible price point, the vision was rooted in family and passion. Founded in 2012 in Temecula, California, by CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverbarwin/">Oliver Barwin’s</a> father and cousin, the “elevated fast casual” brand quickly earned a loyal following for its high quality, chef-driven, vegan-friendly menu. But when it came time to expand beyond a handful of locations, Barwin knew the brand needed more than capital — it needed a true strategic growth partner.That’s where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitalspring.com/">CapitalSpring</a> came in, one of the longest-standing restaurant-focused investment firms in the U.S.<h2>From Family Roots to a Growth-Focused Future</h2>“The brand was really a passion project for my dad at the time,” Barwin said. “When I took over just before COVID, we had four locations. I had left my career on Wall Street because I truly believed the brand had legs to grow.”To achieve that growth, Barwin and his team ran a selective process to find an investor who would bring strategic expertise, not just funding. “It made a lot of sense to find the right partner,” he said. “We weren’t just raising capital; we wanted someone who could add value beyond writing a check. That’s how we got in touch with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info">CapitalSpring</a>.”After building a relationship, the partnership culminated in an investment from CapitalSpring in 2022 — and the results speak for themselves. “We’ve doubled in size since then,” Barwin said. “We’re about to open our 10th unit and will continue to accelerate our growth over the next few years.”<h2>Why CapitalSpring Was the Right Fit</h2>CapitalSpring has completed more than 300 investments across more than 90 brands and deployed nearly $4 billion in capital over its 20-year history. Its deep operational expertise, particularly in foodservice and franchising, made it a natural fit for a growing brand like Bushfire Kitchen.“We knew they brought industry expertise and relationships that could expand beyond the opportunity,” Barwin said. “<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/">Jim Balis</a> is a true operator as well as an investor — he’s run a number of different restaurant brands and grown them properly. A lot of other investors don’t have that kind of experience or expertise.”Barwin also emphasizes how the partnership aligned with Bushfire’s family values. “We’re a family business, and we felt the people at CapitalSpring shared those same values,” he said. “The deal was structured the right way — it allowed us to grow and maintain our business the way we wanted to without sacrificing quality.”<h2>The Power of Partnership: Real Estate, Supply Chain and Technology</h2>The partnership has paid dividends across multiple fronts.To start, Barwin says real estate has been a key advantage. “You can’t grow without the right locations,” he said. “Having CapitalSpring as an institutional investor behind us gave landlords a lot more confidence — especially in Southern California, which is a very competitive market. Having their name behind us allowed us to grow without signing a bunch of personal guarantees.”Similarly, supply chain support has been crucial as well. “They’ve had a helpful impact through their network and leads,” Barwin said. “We’ve been able to renegotiate supply chain contracts and find savings through their scale — food costs, packaging costs and more.”As an operator with a modern mindset, Barwin has overhauled Bushfire Kitchen’s tech stack — from&nbsp;<a href="https://pos.toasttab.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorpqU3mGaOmXC4m3UXmjwISoc-IgYcPhr-xyVZGCARyKtmTaIct">Toast POS</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restaurant365.com/">Restaurant365</a> to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zenput.com/">Zenput</a> for training and operations. “CapitalSpring works with a lot of vendors,” he said. “It’s been helpful to have a sounding board to find the right solutions. When you make tech decisions, you want to go with someone who’s done it before.”<h2>Elevated Fast Casual, Refined for Scale</h2>Barwin describes Bushfire Kitchen as “elevated fast casual” — a hybrid between the affordability and speed of counter service and the hospitality and ambiance of full-service dining. “We’re providing great, high-quality food at an affordable price point,” he said. “But we also provide the experience that most fast casuals neglect. You’re paying fast casual prices, but getting the feel of a full-service restaurant.”That premium-yet-approachable positioning, combined with CapitalSpring’s strategic and financial backing, has positioned the brand for long-term success.“Looking ahead, we want to accelerate growth — hopefully 40% next year,” Barwin said. “By 2027, we plan to expand further in California and out of state to bring the brand to new markets. As you grow, the people around you and the team are critically important. Having CapitalSpring there — and being able to leverage their network to find the right people — has been great.”For more information on CapitalSpring, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info">https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info</a>.The statements above represent the opinions of founders and senior executives of portfolio companies in which private funds advised by CapitalSpring have invested. These individuals are not clients of CapitalSpring and have not received any compensation for their endorsement. Because their companies benefit from a relationship with CapitalSpring, including&nbsp;investments by CapitalSpring and private funds that we advise, conflicts of interest may exist. Past performance is not indicative of future results. These endorsements should not be interpreted as investment advice or recommendations.

How CapitalSpring Helped Bushfire Kitchen Double in Size

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NASHVILLE, Tenn.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitalspring.com/">CapitalSpring</a>, a leading sector-specialist investment firm focused on franchised and other multi-location businesses, today announced a close resulting in more than $505 million of commitments for its seventh flagship investment fund, just two months after launch. The fund, which targets $1 billion in total commitments, has attracted strong early support from existing limited partners, including state and municipal pension plans, endowments, foundations, and family offices. The firm previously held a final close on its predecessor flagship fund in March 2022 with $950 million in commitments.“We are grateful for the continued confidence and support from our existing investors. All commitments to date are from existing limited partners with almost all investors upsizing their commitment level relative to prior funds.” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitzgeraldrichard/">Richard Fitzgerald</a>, Co-Founder and Managing Partner.This early fundraising momentum follows CapitalSpring’s largest exit to date, the sale of Sizzling Platter to Bain Capital, and coincides with the firm’s 20th anniversary — a milestone year that underscores the firm’s competitive advantage.&nbsp;“This early fundraise success caps a year of significant achievements for CapitalSpring,” said Fitzgerald. “We’ve reached our 20-year anniversary, completed our 300th investment, and surpassed $4 billion invested across more than 100 different brands and franchise systems. The Sizzling Platter transaction represents our first $1-billion-plus exit, validating our strategy and delivering strong results for our investors.”CapitalSpring first partnered with Sizzling Platter in 2019, when the company operated 424 locations across five brands, ranking as the 20th-largest U.S. restaurant franchisee by revenue. Under CapitalSpring’s ownership, the business expanded to over 800 locations across eight brands, entered 15 new markets, and became the sixth-largest restaurant franchisee nationwide with over $1 billion in annual system revenue.Building on this track record, Fund VII will continue to pursue opportunities across the foodservice, franchising, and multi-unit business ecosystem, leveraging CapitalSpring’s 20-year foundation of deep sector relationships, operational expertise, learnings, and best practices.“Our goal remains the same as it has been for two decades,” Fitzgerald added. “We aim to be a flexible, value-added partner—providing not just capital, but the strategic and operational resources that help strong operators unlock their next phase of growth. We’re excited to build on our momentum and continue delivering a differentiated and diversifying return profile for our investors.”ABOUT CAPITALSPRING:CapitalSpring is a specialist private equity and debt investment firm with a 20-year track record of investing in franchises and other multi-location businesses that serve the everyday needs of consumers.  The firm has invested over $4 billion across more than 300 investments in 100+ different brands. CapitalSpring has developed competitive advantages including deep sector expertise, proprietary data/benchmarking analytics, an in-house strategic operations team, and a 20-year foundation of relationships driving consistent flow of non-competitive investment ideas and opportunities. CapitalSpring manages multiple fund vehicles including private debt and private equity strategies focused on the lower middle market and middle market. The firm is headquartered in Nashville and has regional offices in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta. For more information about CapitalSpring, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.capitalspring.com">www.capitalspring.com</a>.

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CapitalSpring Closes on Initial $505 Million of $1 Billion Target just Two Months After the Launch of its Seventh Flagship Investment Fund 

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For nearly four decades,&nbsp;<a href="https://w.worksbakerycafe.com/franchise.html">The Works Bakery Café&nbsp;</a>has served as a community-driven, Northeast-based legacy brand — but Founder and CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-f-french/">Richard French</a> knew longevity alone wasn’t enough. He wanted a partner who could help the brand stay relevant, scale with intention, and strengthen operational foundations.“We’ve been around for 38 years, so I would call us a little bit of a legacy brand,” French said. “What got us here may not get us there.”As he explored the market, he evaluated several growth equity firms. “In my mind,” French said, “<a href="https://www.capitalspring.com/">CapitalSpring</a> was the cream that rose to the top.”<h3>What Set CapitalSpring Apart</h3>French’s decision centered on three major factors: industry experience, franchise expertise and personal fit.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info">CapitalSpring’s</a> deep specialization in restaurants — from fast casual to QSR to full service — gave French confidence that the team understood the unique pressures operators face. “They’d been around for a few decades, so that was a plus,” he said.&nbsp;But the final deciding factor was cultural alignment. French describes the team as grounded and collaborative — the kind of partner he believed would navigate tough decisions with integrity. “I found them to be down-to-earth, real people,” he said. “My gut instincts were correct.”<h3>Strengthening Leadership and Operational Infrastructure</h3>One of the most immediate impacts of the partnership was support in building out leadership and strengthening the company’s infrastructure. CapitalSpring provided access to recruiters, participated in interviews and helped shape the senior management team.“They’ve been immensely helpful,” French said. “Access to recruiters, involvement in the interviewing process — as we scale, that’s been important.”CapitaSpring also helped the Works implement more rigorous financial analysis and performance tracking. French notes that their business is now reviewing data at a level of detail that unlocks better decision-making. “We analyze the numbers at a much deeper level than we ever have,” he said. “That could lead to wonderful insights and further refinement of profitability.”<h3>Improving Site Selection and Accelerating Growth</h3>With CapitalSpring’s tools, relationships and experience, The Works rebuilt its approach to development and real estate strategy. The brand now uses a more data-driven process for evaluating sites, forecasting performance, and mapping expansion.“We scrutinize sites in much greater detail than we ever did,” French said. “It’s hopefully more science and less gut.”The partnership has already produced measurable results. In the first 18 months, the brand grew by 30%, supported by robust site-selection frameworks and a development roadmap shaped by CapitalSpring’s playbook.<h3>Leveraging Portfolio-Wide Advantages</h3>Being part of CapitalSpring’s portfolio also brings the benefits of scale — something regional operators often struggle to access on their own. Through negotiated partnerships and shared vendor programs, The Works now receives enterprise-level pricing in several operational categories.“We’re a Toast customer, and we have special pricing because we’re a CapitalSpring portfolio partner,” French said. “They bring pricing for a much larger company.”This extends to everything from linen services to signage to technology platforms. By tapping into a $3-billion-plus portfolio, The Works gains cost efficiencies that directly strengthen margins.<h3>Building the Foundation for the Future</h3>Beyond operational improvements, the partnership is helping the brand prepare for long-term innovation. The Works is exploring new restaurant design concepts, expanded pick-up and drive-thru formats, and modernization initiatives supported by CapitalSpring’s broader network.“We’ve had upgrades in our accounting software — we’re cloud-based now,” French said. “We’ve instituted labor, scheduling and back-of-house software that we didn’t have before.”French also notes upcoming collaboration with Mosley Group to develop “The Works 4.0,” the brand’s next-generation design vision. “They have that large network, and can bring fully vetted professionals so we know we are hiring someone great,” he said.<h3>A Partnership Built on Trust and Momentum</h3>Eighteen months in, French describes the partnership as both affirming and transformative. The company is growing faster, operating with greater precision, and planning for a stronger future — all while maintaining alignment with a partner that shares their values.“It has played out very true and very significantly,” he said. “We’re working really hard on continuing to build the foundation to support that growth.”For more information about CapitalSpring, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.capitalspring.com">www.capitalspring.com</a>.&nbsp;The statements above represent the opinions of founders and senior executives of portfolio companies in which private funds advised by CapitalSpring have invested. These individuals are not clients of CapitalSpring and have not received any compensation for their endorsement. Because their companies benefit from a relationship with CapitalSpring, including investments by CapitalSpring and private funds that we advise, conflicts of interest may exist. Past performance is not indicative of future results. These endorsements should not be interpreted as investment advice or recommendations.

How CapitalSpring Helped The Works Bakery Cafe Build a Stronger Future

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Not all investment partners are created equal. Many firms provide funding, but the most valuable partners offer more than money. They understand franchising’s unique challenges and can help create long-term growth.“Capital has become a commodity overall and if you're looking to grow your business, regardless of what the nature of the business is, there is the inevitability of a lot of obstacles and decisions to make along the way,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-herrmann-205aa624/">Erik Herrmann</a>, partner with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitalspring.com/">CapitalSpring</a> and head of the investment group. “So it's about what other capabilities can be brought to the table to get the job done.”A strong partner sees the bigger vision, helps accelerate growth and brings resources that make the brand stronger without compromising its foundation.<h2>What To Look For in a Franchise Investment Partner</h2>Savvy franchisors should evaluate an investor’s ability to add value beyond the check. Important questions include:<ul><li>Do they understand unit-level economics and franchisee relationships?</li><li>Can they provide operational, technology or real estate support?</li><li>Do they have capabilities to enhance your franchise sales organization?</li><li>What experience do they have with franchisors at your stage of growth?</li></ul>“Any partnership is only as good as having a shared vision for what the end goal is," Herrmann said.&nbsp;A partner’s involvement after the deal is also critical. The right investor should share your values, help set appropriate goals and avoid creating friction through misaligned priorities.<h2>Franchising Experience Is Non-Negotiable</h2>Franchising is not like other business models. It requires a balance between the franchisor, franchisee and customer. Herrmann explains that strong franchise investors have already faced challenges in the industry and bring useful insights to the table.“It's what you're selling. You're not selling sandwiches or pizza or chicken. You're selling a business model," he said. "So that's going to manifest in the unit economics because it's all about attracting new prospective franchises to your brand versus others and getting existing franchises to open new locations.”A partner with experience knows how to evaluate system design, pace growth and track performance with the right metrics. This helps franchisors avoid common mistakes and build sustainable systems.<h2>Strategic Support That Drives Results</h2>The right partner provides more than funding. They can deliver access to prospective franchisees, cost synergies and data analytics tools. They may also support site selection, sales organization design and operational improvements.Herrmann points out that investors can also help refine the product itself. That might include lowering development costs, improving workflows or expanding the menu to increase sales. All of these improvements make the franchise offering more attractive to potential franchisees.<h2>Avoid the Wrong Fit: Red Flags To Watch Out For</h2>Not every investor is the right match. Franchisors should watch out for firms that push one-size-fits-all growth expectations, lack transparency after the deal or have little to no franchise industry experience.“I think where partnerships break down is when you have one partner with one objective and you have a partner that's been brought in that has a slightly different perspective on where the business should go or how it should grow or in what manner,” Herrmann said.Investors focused only on aggressive growth rather than sustainable system health are also unlikely to be the right long-term partners.<h2>The CapitalSpring Difference</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/info">CapitalSpring</a> positions itself as more than a financial backer. The firm works flexibly, tailoring its investments to the goals of the counterparty. Herrmann notes that flexibility is a major differentiator, as many firms only invest into a single type of deal structure.“Flexibility is a real place that we differentiate as compared to most,” Herrmann said. “We're happy to buy control or, in some cases, 100% of a business, but similarly we're happy owning 25% if that's the right deal dynamic that meets the founder’s or business owner’s objective.”With experience across dozens of franchise systems, CapitalSpring emphasizes operational support, purchasing power and growth resources that go far beyond writing a check.If you’re looking for an investment partner to help you grow your franchise — not just fund it — CapitalSpring can help. The firm brings deep experience in franchising and a commitment to sustainable, long-term growth.For more information about CapitalSpring, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.capitalspring.com">www.capitalspring.com</a>.&nbsp;

What Makes a Successful Franchise Investment Partner: Understanding What To Look For  

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CapitalSpring’s Perspective on the State of the Restaurant Industry and 2025 Predictions

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