Courtesy of Fuzzy's Taco Shop
The Queso Shrimpico Taco at Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Private equity management firm NRD Capital on Tuesday announced the formation of a new platform company, Experiential Brands, which will acquire experience-driven brands in the food and beverage space.
The first concept and anchor in the Experiential Brands portfolio is Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, founded in 2003 on the corner of Berry Street and Cockrell Avenue in the TCU area, “a prime example of the growth oriented franchised brands the company seeks to acquire," according to a news release.
NRD Capital has appointed Paul Damico to serve as CEO of Experiential Brands. He will remain in his role as CEO of Fuzzy’s, a position he assumed in August.
“Paul is an experienced veteran in the restaurant franchise industry and has a proven track record of successfully scaling and growing franchised brands, most notably growing Moe’s Southwest Grill from 200 to 700 units, making him the ideal fit for this role,” Aziz Hashim, founder and managing partner of NRD Capital, said in a statement.
Most recently, Damico was CEO of Global Franchise Group LLC, franchisor of six nationally recognized brands. Prior to that, he was president of Atlanta-based Focus Brands with oversight of six internationally recognized brands.
“We’re thrilled to launch Experiential Brands, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is the optimal anchor of the platform because of its energy and unique offering,” Damico said in a statement. “We are actively looking for additional exciting brands to continue to build out the portfolio.”
Fuzzy’s was acquired by NRD Capital in February 2016.
Damico has robust growth plans for Fuzzy’s with the goal of doubling the size of the brand in five years’ time and eventually overseeing a multi-brand portfolio of food and beverage companies.
“While the industry has seen an increase in online ordering and delivery, we believe there is still a place in the market for guests who are searching for a ‘dining experience.’ Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a prime example of why we believe this model to be successful,” Damico said. “There is an experience our fans love about Fuzzy’s in addition to the Baja flavor profile of the food. Whether it’s the full bar, our laid-back patios, the music, TVs, or overall ambiance, guests seek out the physical restaurant to get the full Fuzzy’s experience.”