Savory Fund backs Zao Asian Grill
Savory Fund is investing in the 23-unit fast-casual Asian concept as it prepares for nationwide growth, and the chain has a $12.5 million debt facility from Columbia Bank for new locations.
"We've spent years proving that this concept works.
When you offer guests approachable, flavor-forward Asian food, they'll come back for it again and again.
Watching this brand earn that loyalty, location by location, has been one of the great honors of my career," said Dave Duffin, founder of Zao.
Savory plans to scale Zao nationally, with more than 10 new locations projected through 2027, and the deal marks the fourth investment in Savory Fund III, joining South Block, Bonrue, and Hawkers.
Deal facts
- Target
- Zao Asian Grill
- Investor
- Savory Fund
- Sponsor
- Savory Fund
- Deal type
- Investment
- Status
- Announced
- Announced
- Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Sources
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