Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital investment firm established in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm specializes in investing in a range of sectors, including food and beverage companies, lifestyle consumer brands, agricultural technology, and technology firms. As a registered investment adviser, Cleveland Avenue focuses on seed-stage, early-stage, later-stage, and growth-stage opportunities, aiming to support innovative companies that align with its strategic interests.

Matthew Wellington Burns

Senior Associate, Investments

Fernando Carranza

Venture Investor

Harry Coaxum

Managing Partner, Operations

Walker Cullinan

Analyst

Ellen Federbush

Project Manager, Office of the CEO

Keith Kravcik

Chief Investment Officer

Mingu Lee

Managing Partner

Randall Lewis

Managing Partner

Jason Mercer

Principal

Fabian Gosselin

Investor

Veronica Pierce

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Don Thompson

Co-Founder and CEO

Ryan Tlusty

CFO

Robert Wietecki

Senior Associate, Investments

Taylor Williams

Venture Investor

Past deals in Restaurants

Dom's Kitchen & Market

Convertible Note in 2023
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2021. The company aims to create a unique food destination that integrates shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on providing well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally inspired food, fostering a welcoming environment for customers to explore and enjoy diverse culinary experiences. Dom's Kitchen & Market emphasizes community engagement and hospitality, encouraging consumers to share and learn about food while relaxing in a vibrant atmosphere.

Zerocater

Series C in 2023
Zerocater, Inc. operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform designed for companies and their employees. Established in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company specializes in delivering personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. Zerocater caters to various occasions, including meetings, events, and celebrations, offering a diverse range of menus that include breakfast, lunch, desserts, and beverages from craft breweries. The company serves clients in key cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, aiming to foster a collaborative office culture by providing convenient and varied food options to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Sunda New Asian

Private Equity Round in 2023
Sunda New Asian is a restaurant chain that specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine, operating locations in Chicago and Nashville. The establishment presents a diverse menu featuring traditional dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and nigiri, while also incorporating modern enhancements through upgraded ingredients. By blending cultural authenticity with contemporary culinary techniques, Sunda New Asian aims to provide a unique dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of the Southeast Asian culinary landscape.

Ayo Foods

Seed Round in 2022
AYO Foods is a premium meal solutions brand that offers a line of authentic West-African inspired cuisine. The company specializes in traditional frozen foods, including a variety of ready-to-serve packed meals and shelf-stable sauces. AYO Foods incorporates unique flavors and ingredients, such as egusi melon seeds, cassava, and sorghum leaves, to deliver an authentic and traditional menu. Their products aim to create mealtime opportunities for consumers, making it possible to enjoy West-African cuisine conveniently and at any time.

Presto

Post in 2022
Presto is a technology company that specializes in providing advanced digital solutions to the hospitality industry, particularly in automating operations for drive-thrus. Founded at M.I.T. in 2008 and headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Presto leverages voice, vision, and touch technologies to enhance guest experiences and help businesses address labor shortages. The company has shipped over 250,000 systems, making it one of the largest providers of labor automation technology in its sector. Its customer base includes many of the top 20 restaurant chains in the United States, where Presto's solutions contribute to generating new revenue and streamlining operations.

86 Repairs

Series A in 2022
86 Repairs is a Chicago-based software company that offers a subscription platform for managing the entire repair process for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018, the company provides a comprehensive maintenance management solution that covers equipment repairs for appliances such as ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. With 24/7 support from a team of experts, 86 Repairs helps restaurant owners streamline their operations by relieving them of repair-related burdens, allowing them to concentrate on customer service. The platform delivers actionable insights to enhance back-of-house operations and ensures complete management of the service process, thereby improving efficiency and reducing downtime for restaurants.

Red Bay Coffee

Venture Round in 2022
Red Bay Coffee Company LLC, founded in 2014 by Keba Konte in Oakland, California, operates as a specialty coffee roasting business committed to quality, sustainability, and social impact. The company offers a diverse range of whole-bean and specialty coffee products, which are sourced, developed, and roasted with a focus on environmental sustainability and inclusivity. Red Bay Coffee also provides coffee catering services for events and sells merchandise, including T-shirts and gifts, through its online platform. The company is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the coffee industry, particularly by supporting communities that have been historically marginalized, such as people of color, women, and the formerly incarcerated. Through its mission, Red Bay Coffee aims to create unity and promote economic restoration while delivering high-quality coffee to consumers.

Bear Robotics

Series B in 2022
Bear Robotics, Inc. is a company based in Redwood City, California, that designs and manufactures autonomous robots specifically for the food service industry. Incorporated in 2017, Bear Robotics developed Penny, an artificial intelligence-driven robot that efficiently transports food, dishes, and drinks, while also providing customer service in restaurants. The company's innovative solutions aim to address challenges within the restaurant industry, such as labor shortages and rising operational costs, by enhancing efficiency and improving the dining experience for customers. By automating tasks like running orders and bussing tables, Bear Robotics not only seeks to increase job satisfaction for restaurant employees but also aims to boost profitability for restaurant owners.

FoodBoss

Convertible Note in 2022
FoodBoss is an online food delivery search engine that aggregates various food delivery options and fees from numerous restaurants, including those using third-party services and those with their own ordering systems. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the platform allows users to explore over 30,000 restaurants available for delivery in over 44 major metropolitan markets. It provides comprehensive information on delivery options, enabling consumers to compare menu items, prices, delivery times, and fees, ultimately helping them find the best deals for their food orders. Formerly known as Bootler, LLC, FoodBoss aims to streamline the food ordering process for users by presenting all available options in one convenient location.

Ayo Foods

Convertible Note in 2022
AYO Foods is a premium meal solutions brand that offers a line of authentic West-African inspired cuisine. The company specializes in traditional frozen foods, including a variety of ready-to-serve packed meals and shelf-stable sauces. AYO Foods incorporates unique flavors and ingredients, such as egusi melon seeds, cassava, and sorghum leaves, to deliver an authentic and traditional menu. Their products aim to create mealtime opportunities for consumers, making it possible to enjoy West-African cuisine conveniently and at any time.

86 Repairs

Seed Round in 2021
86 Repairs is a Chicago-based software company that offers a subscription platform for managing the entire repair process for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018, the company provides a comprehensive maintenance management solution that covers equipment repairs for appliances such as ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. With 24/7 support from a team of experts, 86 Repairs helps restaurant owners streamline their operations by relieving them of repair-related burdens, allowing them to concentrate on customer service. The platform delivers actionable insights to enhance back-of-house operations and ensures complete management of the service process, thereby improving efficiency and reducing downtime for restaurants.

Ayo Foods

Convertible Note in 2021
AYO Foods is a premium meal solutions brand that offers a line of authentic West-African inspired cuisine. The company specializes in traditional frozen foods, including a variety of ready-to-serve packed meals and shelf-stable sauces. AYO Foods incorporates unique flavors and ingredients, such as egusi melon seeds, cassava, and sorghum leaves, to deliver an authentic and traditional menu. Their products aim to create mealtime opportunities for consumers, making it possible to enjoy West-African cuisine conveniently and at any time.

Dom's Kitchen & Market

Venture Round in 2021
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2021. The company aims to create a unique food destination that integrates shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on providing well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally inspired food, fostering a welcoming environment for customers to explore and enjoy diverse culinary experiences. Dom's Kitchen & Market emphasizes community engagement and hospitality, encouraging consumers to share and learn about food while relaxing in a vibrant atmosphere.

86 Repairs

Seed Round in 2021
86 Repairs is a Chicago-based software company that offers a subscription platform for managing the entire repair process for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018, the company provides a comprehensive maintenance management solution that covers equipment repairs for appliances such as ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. With 24/7 support from a team of experts, 86 Repairs helps restaurant owners streamline their operations by relieving them of repair-related burdens, allowing them to concentrate on customer service. The platform delivers actionable insights to enhance back-of-house operations and ensures complete management of the service process, thereby improving efficiency and reducing downtime for restaurants.

Ayo Foods

Convertible Note in 2020
AYO Foods is a premium meal solutions brand that offers a line of authentic West-African inspired cuisine. The company specializes in traditional frozen foods, including a variety of ready-to-serve packed meals and shelf-stable sauces. AYO Foods incorporates unique flavors and ingredients, such as egusi melon seeds, cassava, and sorghum leaves, to deliver an authentic and traditional menu. Their products aim to create mealtime opportunities for consumers, making it possible to enjoy West-African cuisine conveniently and at any time.

Red Bay Coffee

Convertible Note in 2020
Red Bay Coffee Company LLC, founded in 2014 by Keba Konte in Oakland, California, operates as a specialty coffee roasting business committed to quality, sustainability, and social impact. The company offers a diverse range of whole-bean and specialty coffee products, which are sourced, developed, and roasted with a focus on environmental sustainability and inclusivity. Red Bay Coffee also provides coffee catering services for events and sells merchandise, including T-shirts and gifts, through its online platform. The company is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the coffee industry, particularly by supporting communities that have been historically marginalized, such as people of color, women, and the formerly incarcerated. Through its mission, Red Bay Coffee aims to create unity and promote economic restoration while delivering high-quality coffee to consumers.

FoodBoss

Convertible Note in 2020
FoodBoss is an online food delivery search engine that aggregates various food delivery options and fees from numerous restaurants, including those using third-party services and those with their own ordering systems. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the platform allows users to explore over 30,000 restaurants available for delivery in over 44 major metropolitan markets. It provides comprehensive information on delivery options, enabling consumers to compare menu items, prices, delivery times, and fees, ultimately helping them find the best deals for their food orders. Formerly known as Bootler, LLC, FoodBoss aims to streamline the food ordering process for users by presenting all available options in one convenient location.

Dom's Kitchen & Market

Seed Round in 2020
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2021. The company aims to create a unique food destination that integrates shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on providing well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally inspired food, fostering a welcoming environment for customers to explore and enjoy diverse culinary experiences. Dom's Kitchen & Market emphasizes community engagement and hospitality, encouraging consumers to share and learn about food while relaxing in a vibrant atmosphere.

Zerocater

Series B in 2019
Zerocater, Inc. operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform designed for companies and their employees. Established in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company specializes in delivering personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. Zerocater caters to various occasions, including meetings, events, and celebrations, offering a diverse range of menus that include breakfast, lunch, desserts, and beverages from craft breweries. The company serves clients in key cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, aiming to foster a collaborative office culture by providing convenient and varied food options to small and medium-sized enterprises.

FoodBoss

Venture Round in 2019
FoodBoss is an online food delivery search engine that aggregates various food delivery options and fees from numerous restaurants, including those using third-party services and those with their own ordering systems. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the platform allows users to explore over 30,000 restaurants available for delivery in over 44 major metropolitan markets. It provides comprehensive information on delivery options, enabling consumers to compare menu items, prices, delivery times, and fees, ultimately helping them find the best deals for their food orders. Formerly known as Bootler, LLC, FoodBoss aims to streamline the food ordering process for users by presenting all available options in one convenient location.

Red Bay Coffee

Series A in 2019
Red Bay Coffee Company LLC, founded in 2014 by Keba Konte in Oakland, California, operates as a specialty coffee roasting business committed to quality, sustainability, and social impact. The company offers a diverse range of whole-bean and specialty coffee products, which are sourced, developed, and roasted with a focus on environmental sustainability and inclusivity. Red Bay Coffee also provides coffee catering services for events and sells merchandise, including T-shirts and gifts, through its online platform. The company is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the coffee industry, particularly by supporting communities that have been historically marginalized, such as people of color, women, and the formerly incarcerated. Through its mission, Red Bay Coffee aims to create unity and promote economic restoration while delivering high-quality coffee to consumers.

Zerocater

Series B in 2018
Zerocater, Inc. operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform designed for companies and their employees. Established in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company specializes in delivering personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. Zerocater caters to various occasions, including meetings, events, and celebrations, offering a diverse range of menus that include breakfast, lunch, desserts, and beverages from craft breweries. The company serves clients in key cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, aiming to foster a collaborative office culture by providing convenient and varied food options to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Craftable

Seed Round in 2018
Craftable is a comprehensive restaurant management platform developed by a team of technology experts and hospitality veterans. It serves the needs of restaurants, bars, and hotels by integrating various operational functions such as ordering, inventory control, and accounting. The platform allows users to manage complex beverage programs and menu offerings effectively, providing tools for menu engineering, recipe costing, and price comparison. This enables operators to maintain tight control over costs and optimize their culinary creations to protect profit margins. Craftable's system is designed to support operators ranging from independent restaurateurs to larger regional and national chains, facilitating the management of multiple locations and vendor relationships. The platform is utilized by prominent hospitality operators, enhancing their operational efficiency and overall productivity.

PizzaRev

Acquisition in 2017
PizzaRev is a fast casual franchise chain specializing in customized pizzas. The restaurant concept allows customers to create their own pizzas using homemade dough, flavorful sauces, and natural cheeses. This focus on personalization and quality ingredients positions PizzaRev to cater to a diverse range of consumer preferences in the pizza market.

PizzaRev

Funding Round in 2017
PizzaRev is a fast casual franchise chain specializing in customized pizzas. The restaurant concept allows customers to create their own pizzas using homemade dough, flavorful sauces, and natural cheeses. This focus on personalization and quality ingredients positions PizzaRev to cater to a diverse range of consumer preferences in the pizza market.
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