Roark Capital Group

Roark Capital Group, established in 2001 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private equity firm with over $1.5 billion in equity capital under management. The company specializes in middle-market investments, focusing on family-owned business transfers, management buyouts, and corporate divestitures. Roark Capital Group primarily invests in consumer and business service companies, with a particular emphasis on the restaurant, specialty retail, and health, wellness, and beauty sectors. The firm is known for being a trusted financial partner for management and business owners, having acquired 25 businesses from their founding entrepreneurs or families.

Timothy Armstrong

Managing Director and Member of Investment Committee

Rajiv Asnani

Principal

Brock Bacon

Senior Associate

Mary Chen

Analyst

Sabrina E. Chu

Vice President

Jason Cohen

Principal

Thomas D. D'Alessandro

Vice President

Roanne Daniels

Managing Director and Member of Investment Committee

Stewart Long Davis

Vice President

Sagar S. Gandhi

Principal

Andy Giacone

Principal

Clayton Harmon

Managing Director and Member of Investment Committee

Geoff Hill

Managing Director and Member of Investment Committee

Patrick Hillegass

Principal

Kevin Hofmann

Managing Director and Member of the Investment Committee

Chadwick Hume

Principal

Ryan Johnson

Senior Associate

John Jordan

Principal and Chair of Investment Committee

Matthew Kaelin

Co-Chief Investment Officer and Senior Managing Director

Mark Lawrence

Principal

David Lee

Principal

Wesley C. Lee

CFO

Martin R. McLendon

Vice President

Brennan McCormick

Vice President

Ched Milic

Senior Associate

Max Mudd

Senior Associate

Ian Picache

Managing Director, Chief Analytics Officer and Member of Investment Committee

Edward Sampognaro

Vice President

Samuel P. Seldowitz

Vice President

Michael Sharkey

Managing Director

Aaron Silbar

Senior Associate

Michael D. Simon

Vice President

Michael Thompson

Managing Director and Member of Investment Committee

Brett R. Ubl

Vice President

Kevin Wang

Senior Associate

Samuel K. Wetstone

Principal

Dan Xiang

Senior Associate

Jason deFaria

Senior Associate

Past deals in Restaurants

Dave's Hot Chicken

Acquisition in 2025
Dave's Hot Chicken is an American fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken. The establishment operates street food outlets that focus on providing hot and fresh food products, including chicken sandwiches and tenders. These items are prepared fresh at live counters, allowing for a dynamic dining experience. Customers can enjoy the convenience of ordering food both in-person and online, with options for delivery to their doorsteps. The chain emphasizes quality and flavor, aiming to cater to a diverse clientele seeking bold and spicy chicken dishes.

Subway

Acquisition in 2023
Subway is an American fast-food restaurant franchise specializing in submarine sandwiches and salads. It offers a diverse menu that includes made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast items, desserts, cookies, and beverages, allowing customers to customize their meals with a variety of ingredients. As of November 2014, Subway has expanded its presence to over 43,000 locations across 108 countries and territories, establishing itself as a significant player in the quick-service restaurant sector. The franchise emphasizes freshness and customization, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Acquisition in 2021
Nothing Bundt Cakes is a leading franchisor of gourmet bakeries, operating over 175 locations across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Addison, Texas, the company specializes in offering a variety of hand-crafted Bundt cakes, including tiered cakes, bundtlet towers, and bundtinis, all made on-site with high-quality ingredients and proprietary formulations. In addition to its signature cakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes provides a selection of related merchandise, including party supplies, decor, and gifts, allowing customers to customize their cake orders to meet specific needs. The combination of quality products and a focus on customer satisfaction distinguishes Nothing Bundt Cakes in the bakery market.

The Cheesecake Factory

Post in 2020
The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated operates a diverse portfolio of restaurants in the United States and Canada, including its flagship brand, The Cheesecake Factory, North Italia, and various concepts under Fox Restaurant Concepts. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Calabasas, California, the company manages 294 restaurants as of early 2020, with an international presence through licensing agreements. In addition to its restaurant operations, The Cheesecake Factory has a bakery division that produces cheesecakes and other baked goods, which are supplied to its restaurants, international licensees, and various third-party customers. The company offers an extensive menu featuring over 250 items, all made fresh and from scratch daily, emphasizing quality and flavor in its culinary offerings.

Culver's

Private Equity Round in 2017
Culver's owns and operates restaurants. Culver's provides butterburgers, frozen custard, chicken, sandwiches, shakes, malts, floats, snackpak, soups, salads, and beverages.

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches

Acquisition in 2016
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches is a franchised restaurant chain serves tasty sandwiches made fresh to order. Place an online order for pickup or delivery. Jimmy John’s is part of the Inspire Brand family of restaurants. It was founded by Jimmy John Liautaud in 1983 and is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois.

Naf Naf Grill

Private Equity Round in 2015
Naf Naf Grill, LLC is a fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 2008 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The company specializes in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a diverse menu that includes pitas, bowls, basmati rice, shawarma, falafel, salads, and various garnishes and sauces. Naf Naf Grill is recognized for its commitment to using fresh ingredients and has gained critical acclaim for its award-winning dishes. With a growing presence, the restaurant operates 13 locations and has plans for further expansion, including new sites in Minneapolis and Madison, Wisconsin. In addition to dine-in services, Naf Naf Grill provides catering options for offices, homes, and events, making it a versatile choice for a variety of dining needs.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.