Untamed Brands launched in 2021 with taim, a New York City-based concept founded in 2005 by double-time Food Network champion and Chef Einat Admoney, as a falafel joint that complemented her full-service concept Balaboosta. Taim uses market-fresh produce, authentic herbs and spices and time-honored techniques of Mediterranean cooking to serve craveable pitas, bowls, salads and mezze. Taim currently operates 13 restaurants across New York and Washington D.C. In late 2021, Untamed Brands acquired HCT, a Columbus-based concept with a cult-like following, serving Nashville-style hot chicken and Southern-influenced sides. HCT was founded in 2014 by Joe DeLoss with a fair chance hiring mission which provides supportive careers to individuals whose personal circumstances may typically prevent them from obtaining steady employment, creating a sense of belonging and community. HCT currently operates seven restaurants throughout Central Ohio and two Columbus sports team stadium locations.
May 7, 2024
Sell-Side M&A Advisor
Sponsor-Backed
Eothen
Craveworthy Brands
Restaurants
Acquiring taïm allows Craveworthy to consolidate Mediterranean offerings with Soom Soom and extend reach across NY and D.C. for cross-market leverage.
Hot Chicken Takeover adds exposure to the hot chicken trend while creating a bridge to Budlong for menu integration and brand conversion opportunities.
The addition of taïm and HCT adds strong brands across Mediterranean and chicken to the Craveworthy portfolio while fitting Craveworthy’s model of optimizing under-scaled but promising brands.
With ~20 existing units, taïm and HCT provide a foundation for refreshed branding, system upgrades, and scalable franchise rollout.
Following the Sigri acquisition, the Untamed deal underscores Craveworthy’s aggressive M&A cadence and accelerates portfolio scale through credible, emerging brands.
