Bruxie Receives Significant Investment From Catterton Partners, The Leading Consumer-Focused Private Equity Firm

ORANGE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bruxie, a gourmet waffle sandwich restaurant concept based in Orange County, California, today announced a capital investment by Catterton Partners, the leading consumer-focused private equity firm. The investment will be used to expand Bruxie's presence in Southern California and beyond. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Bruxie offers a new take on the traditional sandwich by using a creative version of an authentic Belgian Waffle as bread. Reminiscent of the homemade waffles sold on the streets in Belgium, Bruxie takes the concept a step further, pairing its tasty waffles with a variety of quality seasonal ingredients. Offering savory choices like Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Prosciutto & Gruyere, and Hot Pastrami, as well as sweet options such as Seasonal Creme Brulee, Nutella & Banana and S'Mores, Bruxie elevates the breakfast favorite into gourmet sandwich creations that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. The company was founded by Dean Simon and Kelly Mullarney in 2010.

In 2013, Bruxie was named one of Nation's Restaurant News' top 50 Breakout Brands.  Bruxie currently has six restaurants in Orange County and is poised for significant growth throughout Southern California and beyond.

Mr. Simon said, "Catterton is the perfect partner for Bruxie.  Since opening our first store less than three years ago, we have been very fortunate to have several industry professionals join the Bruxie team and help guide us with our strategic growth. Partnering with Catterton is a natural fit given the extensive resources and expertise they bring to the table. Their track record is impressive and includes helping finance and guide market-leading restaurant concepts including P.F. Chang's, Noodles & Company and Mendocino Farms. This partnership and collaboration will be invaluable to us as we look to expand our brand. Our creative concept has garnered an incredible response in Southern California and we are very excited to bring the Bruxie experience to new guests in new markets."

"With its unique gourmet waffle sandwich concept, fresh ingredients and expansive culinary creations that are ideal for any meal, Bruxie offers a truly special culinary experience across multiple eating occasions," said Jon Owsley, a Partner at Catterton. "We are excited to leverage our experience in the fast-casual restaurant space as we partner with Dean, Kelly and the Bruxie team to help the company realize its full growth potential."

Catterton has invested in leading restaurant concepts including Mendocino Farms, Noodles & Company, Bloomin' Brands, Primanti Brothers, Cheddar's, First Watch, P.F. Chang's and Baja Fresh.

Catterton Partners recently closed its seventh buyout fund, Catterton Partners VII, L.P. and its second growth fund, Catterton Growth Partners II, L.P.  With the closing of these two funds, which include a combined $2.1 billion of Limited and General Partner commitments, Catterton now has over $4.0 billion under active management focused on growing well-positioned consumer companies.

About Bruxie  
Bruxie is an Orange, California based, gourmet waffle sandwich restaurant concept. Founded by Dean Simon and Kelly Mullarney in 2010, Bruxie elevates the breakfast favorite into gourmet sandwich creations that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Bruxie currently has six restaurants in Southern California.  http://bruxie.com.

About Catterton Partners   
Catterton Partners is the leading consumer-focused private equity firm with more than $4.0 billion currently under management and a twenty-four year track record of success in building high growth companies.  Since its founding in 1989, Catterton has leveraged its category insight, strategic and operating skills, and network of industry contacts to establish one of the strongest private equity investment track records in the middle market.  Catterton Partners invests in all major consumer segments, including Food and Beverage, Retail and Restaurants, Consumer Products and Services, Consumer Health, and Media and Marketing Services.  Catterton's investments include: Restoration Hardware, Outback Steakhouse, Edible Arrangements, Sweet Leaf Tea, Noodles & Company, Frederic Fekkai, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Wellness and Nature's Variety pet food, Kettle Foods, Odwalla and P.F. Chang's, to name a few. More information about Catterton Partners can be found at http://www.cpequity.com.

Contact:   

Andi Rose / Bryan Darrow  
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 
212-355-4449   

SOURCE Catterton Partners