The Los Angeles-based private-equity firm has been an active investor in growth chains. Its past investments include seafood chain Pacific Catch, fast casual Veggie Grill and eclectic Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. It was also a big backer of Zoes Kitchen, the fast-casual Mediterranean chain that went public in 2014, adding to its strong track record.
The company isn’t slowing down, either. Last year, it closed on a $1 billion fund and has already been putting the money to work. Brentwood has since invested in the fast-casual pizza chain Blaze Pizza.