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BFD Expert Voices - Retail Deals

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Restaurantware, a maker of eco-friendly restaurant supplies, plans to make acquisitions, its CEO Jamil Bouchareb tells Axios exclusively.

Why it matters: The company believes strategic acquisitions can complement its organic growth.

Zoom in: "I would look for anybody with interesting IP in our business that we can incorporate," Bouchareb says.

The company would also consider buying struggling brands, he says.

Plus, anything technological that might make sense, given it developed an AI-focused search platform for its products.

Yes, but: While it's part of Restaurantware's strategic plan to seek out acquisitions, it still plans to grow primarily via organic growth, he says.

By the numbers: Revenue, which is split evenly between DTC and B2B, is between $50 million and $200 million, Bouchareb says, declining to comment more specifically.

The company, which has been profitable from the beginning, has a CAGR of 22% for the last five years, he says.

More specifically, sales of its palm leaf tableware have grown 245%, while its pulp safe items have grown 343% and its PLA tableware has grown 98%, each over the last two years.

What we're watching: How they'll finance the growth. Restaurantware could consider a number of financing options such as raising debt or equity, Bouchareb says.

"As long as we have great investments to make, and we're beyond our cash capability," he says.

It could also consider a strategic relationship to own or grow the business.

Caveat: "My vision for Restaurantware is to continue privately scaling the company in line with the incredible traction we've achieved to date," Bouchareb cautions.

The big picture: Increasing government regulations are putting pressure on the food service industry to reduce single-use plastic.

What's next: Products made from bamboo paper with lined with PLA, which is biodegradable, will be launched under the company's Sustain line in May.

Straws made from PHA, a marine degradable polymer that is becoming the standard the industry is seeking out now, will be available in early June.

It is also building its first plant in the U.S. in California, which will focus on printing highly embellished custom wine labels for wineries in that region.

It will end up investing between $6 million and $10 million of its own money in the project.

Exclusive: Restaurantware has taste for acquisitions

Strategic buys can complement the company's organic growth, the CEO says.

Recycling symbol made of plastic utensils

Mergers and acquisitions

Restaurantware, a maker of eco-friendly restaurant supplies, plans to make acquisitions, its CEO Jamil Bouchareb tells Axios exclusively.Why it matters: The company believes strategic acquisitions can complement its organic growth.

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Exclusive: Restaurantware has taste for acquisitions

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