Lauren Fernandez, CEO of Full Course, aims to transform the restaurant industry into a more culturally, financially, and morally rich space. Her company invests in small restaurant operators, typically managing one to five units, helping them grow into businesses attractive to private equity firms.
Fernandez emphasizes the importance of developing diverse culinary offerings and creating new revenue streams through non-traditional locations and retail products. Drawing on her extensive background in operations and branding, she understands the challenges small operators, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, face in realizing their growth potential.
Despite the influx of capital from private equity, Fernandez notes that it often supports homogeneous food concepts, neglecting the rich culinary diversity of the U.S. Her mission is to promote inclusivity by investing in diverse brands that reflect the country's cultural fabric.
Full Course typically raises $20 million for every five to seven clients, taking a minority stake to guide them toward expansion, with a focus on prioritizing employee welfare. She believes the pandemic has highlighted the need for better wages and benefits in the industry, advocating for a more people-first approach in restaurant operations. Read Full Article