Savory Fund Announces Leadership Changes to Propel Growth in Restaurant Sector

Major Leadership Changes at Savory Fund

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its growth trajectory, Savory Fund, an innovative private equity firm, has elevated co-founder Shauna Smith from CEO to Managing Director, and appointed Clay Dover, formerly of Velvet Taco, as its new Chief Executive Officer. This shift in leadership is intended to strengthen Savory's support for its portfolio of emerging restaurant brands like Swig and Mo' Bettahs.

A New Chapter for Savory

The announcement on January 7, 2026, indicates an exciting phase for Savory Fund. According to Andrew K. Smith, the firm's co-founder and Managing Director, this leadership evolution is a pivotal milestone that will help drive value creation and long-term investment strategies. The firm's portfolio now contains 13 restaurant brands that collectively generate over $515 million in annual revenue and support more than 9,200 jobs nationwide.

Smith noted that only a small fraction of private equity firms are female-led, with only 5% being founded by women, and a mere 4% having female managing partners or CEOs. Her promotion to Managing Director places her in a select group of leaders in this male-dominated industry, making her role not just significant for Savory, but also a potential inspiration for other women in the field.

Clay Dover: A New Vision

Clay Dover joins Savory after a noteworthy career in the restaurant sector, bringing more than 30 years of experience. His previous positions include prominent leadership roles at Raising Cane's and Velvet Taco, where he played a crucial part in scaling operations significantly. Under his guidance, Velvet Taco experienced unprecedented growth, with an impressive 1,250% increase in unit expansions and a 1,000% uptick in sales.

Dover expressed excitement about the opportunity at Savory, emphasizing the importance of helping founder-led brands maintain their essence while scaling. This aligns well with Savory Fund's mission, which is to provide businesses with the resources they need to grow without sacrificing their unique qualities.

Looking Ahead

Both Smith and Dover aim to leverage their combined expertise to enhance Savory's operational capabilities and market presence. Smith is invigorated by the prospect of working alongside Dover and Andrew Smith in navigating this exciting new chapter for the firm.

Savory Fund is recognized for its unique approach to investment, focusing on high-growth concepts that could reshuffle the landscape of the restaurant industry. Other brands included in their portfolio are RR BBQ, PINCHO, and Houston TX Hot Chicken, among others. Through financial backing, industry expertise, and new location development, Savory aims to ensure each of its partner brands thrives in today's competitive market.

This leadership transition not only signifies Savory's commitment to innovation and growth but also reinforces its position as a leader in the restaurant investment space. As they continue to develop and implement strategies tailored to their portfolio, the future appears bright for Savory Fund and the brands it champions.