Restaurant-focused private equity firm
Hargett Hunter
- HeadquartersRaleigh, NC S1
- Founded2015 S1
- Websitehargetthunter.com
- Last verifiedNovember 4, 2026
At a glance
| Revenue range | $10M+ S1 |
|---|---|
| Check size | $5M to $25M S1 |
| Deal types | Platform, Minority S1 |
| Geography | United States S1 |
| Sectors | Consumer & Food |
What Hargett Hunter buys
Hargett Hunter is a Raleigh private equity firm, with a second office in Dallas, that says it invests exclusively in restaurant companies. Since 2015 it says it has deployed hundreds of millions of dollars across dozens of brands. It wants small and mid-size groups with strong unit economics in any food category, and it is most at home in fast casual, traditional full service and polished casual.
The published floor is $10 million of annual revenue and $2 million of store-level EBITDA, which is a restaurant-level figure and not company EBITDA. Five or more units is the usual proof, all or mostly company-owned. The first check runs $5 million to $25 million, with room to follow on up to $50 million, for majority control or a minority stake that carries real control rights. Recent partners include Big Table Restaurants in Atlanta and Won't Stop Hospitality in Indianapolis. The site also lists collaborations and advisory work apart from its investments, which may be a way in for a smaller concept.
Recent deals
Announced in the 24 months before November 4, 2026.
| Date | Company | Type | Sector | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Big Table RestaurantsAtlanta multi-brand group behind HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar | Platform | Consumer & Food | Source |
| Dec 2024 | Party FowlNashville hot chicken chain bought after a restructuring by Cherry Bounce Hospitality, Hargett Hunter's wholly owned restaurant group | Add-on | Consumer & Food | Source |
Portfolio by sector
From the firm's portfolio page S1.
Collaborations
- Party Fowl Collaboration and advisory, per the firm's site
Investments
- Bacari
- Won't Stop Hospitality (Cafe Patachou, Napolese, Petite Chou)
- Original ChopShop
- Live.Eat.Surf (K38 Baja Grill, Tower 7)
- Big Table Restaurants (HOBNOB, Cattle Shed)
- Cajun Steamer
- TK Mulligan
- Greenplaces
Past investments: Trudy's, Marugame Udon, Stacked, bellagreen
Greymont’s take
How Hargett Hunter fits a seller
Hargett Hunter suits founders of company-owned restaurant groups who want a partner that knows the business and plan to grow beyond their home market. Founders have stayed in the picture: Martha Hoover kept an ownership stake in Won't Stop Hospitality, and the Yeremyans were reported to remain involved at Big Table. Control can still change things. A new CEO arrived with the Won't Stop deal, and local press reported an outside manager was brought in at Big Table.
The three exits on its site came after five to six years, though Original ChopShop has been held since 2016. An owner should ask who will run the restaurants day to day after closing, and how long the firm expects to hold the business.
Questions owners ask
What size restaurant group does Hargett Hunter look for?
At least $10 million of annual revenue and $2 million of store-level EBITDA, usually across five or more units that are all or mostly company-owned.
Does Hargett Hunter invest in franchisees?
Franchisees are not the usual fit, because its criteria call for all or mostly company-owned units. Its site shows franchisee ties only as a collaboration, Walk-On's, and as pre-firm experience, YO! Sushi.
Does the founder keep a stake after Hargett Hunter invests?
It can happen. Martha Hoover kept an ownership stake when the firm invested in Won't Stop Hospitality in June 2024, and the firm will also take a minority position with control rights.
Has Hargett Hunter sold any of its restaurant companies?
Yes. Its site lists Marugame Udon, invested in 2019 and realized in May 2024, Stacked, invested in 2018 and exited in 2024, and bellagreen, invested in 2016 and exited in 2022.
Sources
- S1Hargett Hunter site: The Firm, Partners, News and Contact sections Accessed November 4, 2026
- S2What Now Atlanta: Hargett Hunter Acquires Atlanta-Based Big Table Restaurants (January 23, 2026) Accessed November 4, 2026
- S3ToNeTo Atlanta: Big Table Restaurants acquired (September 4, 2025) Accessed November 4, 2026
- S4Indianapolis Business Journal: Cafe Patachou owner partners with private equity firm (June 12, 2024) Accessed November 4, 2026
- S5RestaurantNews.com: Cherry Bounce Hospitality Finalizes Acquisition of Party Fowl (December 4, 2024) Accessed November 4, 2026
- S6Fast Casual: Cherry Bounce finalizes acquisition of Party Fowl (December 4, 2024) Accessed November 4, 2026
- S7KUT: Trudy's closes its last location (January 15, 2025) Accessed November 4, 2026
- S8Greenplaces home page Accessed November 4, 2026
Compiled by Greymont Advisors from public sources, including the firm’s own website and press releases. Greymont is not affiliated with Hargett Hunter. Figures are as reported on the dates shown and may have changed. Request a correction