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Clay Dover: The New CEO Elevating Savory Fund's Mission to Empower Restaurant Brands

Update Clay Dover Takes the Helm at Savory Fund: A New Era in Restaurant Investment In a significant move signaling a new chapter for Savory Fund, industry veteran Clay Dover has been appointed as the company's CEO, while co-founder Shauna Smith steps up as managing director. This change comes as the restaurant-focused private equity firm looks to bolster its commitment to founder-led brands and drive growth across its impressive portfolio. A Strong Vision for Growth Clay Dover, who recently held the position of CEO at Velvet Taco, brings nearly three decades of experience in the restaurant industry to Savory Fund. His impressive track record includes guiding Velvet Taco from four locations to nearly 55 during his tenure, showcasing an exceptional ability to scale businesses effectively. Dover’s appointment is not only a personal milestone for him, but it aims to enhance Savory’s mission: to support founder-led brands in scaling without compromising their core essence. Building on a Legacy of Female Leadership Under the direction of Shauna Smith and Andrew Smith, Savory Fund has built a strong portfolio comprising 13 unique restaurant brands, which collectively generate $515 million in annual revenue. Shauna's rise to managing director highlights a growing trend in the industry, where female leaders are increasingly breaking through gender barriers in private equity—only 4% of such firms have women in top leadership roles. Smith's leadership philosophy focuses on fostering a nurturing environment where founders can thrive, ensuring that Savory promotes not just financial growth but also a supportive culture. Aligning on Values and Vision Dover’s move to Savory Fund was both a strategic and well-timed decision. His alignment with the Smiths’ vision and values made for a seamless transition. "This isn't just about creating a restaurant conglomerate; it’s about building a community where brands can succeed while retaining their unique identity," Dover said. Andrew Smith echoed this sentiment, describing Dover as a “force multiplier” whose experience is essential as Savory continues to expand. The Path Forward for Savory Fund This appointment marks a pivotal moment for Savory Fund as it looks to leverage Dover's operational expertise further. His initial focus will include building sustainable growth strategies, ensuring disciplined scaling, and preserving the individual brand identities within Savory's portfolio. As Dover himself remarked, joining Savory felt like, “jumping on a speeding train,” signifying the momentum the firm has and the opportunities that lay ahead. The Cultural Dynamics in Private Equity While private equity often grapples with public perceptions of being cold and capital-driven, Savory Fund seeks to redefine this narrative under its new leadership. The firm aims to foster an environment that is approachable and rooted in collaboration. As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, Savory's commitment to creating a family-like culture could be its differentiator, providing potential partners and investors confidence in their approach. Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges The restaurant landscape, especially post-pandemic, presents both challenges and opportunities for growth. Brands that embrace adaptability and invest in strong operational leadership will likely flourish. Consequently, Savory Fund is poised to be a leader in the space, fostering innovation and guiding brands to success while honoring their roots and the unique stories they tell. As Clay Dover steps into this role, the anticipation is palpable—not just for his implementation of new strategies but for how Savory Fund will continue to support its diverse portfolio while catalyzing the restaurant industry's next growth phase.