News

Four Foods Group invests in young entrepreneurs' startup

February 24, 2017

Four Foods Group announced its all-cash acquisition of The Soda Shop on Jan. 31 in a company press release.

Founded by Chase Wardrop and Dylan Roeder, the concept has two locations in Arizona. Wardrop and Roeder will be division presidents and retain equity in their company, according to the release.

"Our philosophy of finding smart operators who need growth capital and proven restaurant management systems continues to pick up momentum," Andrew K. Smith, FFG CEO, said in the release. "We want partners who have skin in the game, both financially and from an operations perspective, and we've proven it's a formula that leads to growth and success."

Smith first met Wardrop and Roeder, students at BYU, during a young entrepreneurship lecture series taught by Smith at the university. After advising the students on their business venture, Smith continued the relationship through the first opening of The Soda Shop in 2015.

"Chase and Dylan work hard, have passion for their brand, are sponges when discussing future strategy and improvements to make within the brand, and they never give up," Smith said in the release. "That's why The Soda Shop is where it is today."

FFG's investment will allow the concept to begin aggressive growth and look into new areas, according to the release.

"We already have more than a half dozen sites we are looking at securing for our growth this year and this investment will let us put our foot on the gas pedal right now," Roeder said. "We are really looking forward to being part of Four Foods Group as another company in their portfolio of brands."