Shauna Smith

Shauna is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Savory Fund, a food and beverage-focused investment fund launched in 2018. With $750 million in assets under management, Savory Fund targets emerging restaurant brands with high growth potential. The fund’s team of 80 seasoned restaurant operators and financial experts collaborates closely with founder-led brands, providing the capital, industry expertise, and operational support needed to scale into successful multi-unit enterprises nationwide.

Shauna’s journey in the industry began in 2008 during the Great Recession, when she opened her first bakery and café drive-thru restaurant, employing over 60 staff with an on-site scratch bakery. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in developing, acquiring, and operating over 430 restaurants across 14 states, generating more than $2.6 billion in sales and creating over 43,000 jobs. Savory Fund’s portfolio brands continue this momentum, adding 50+ restaurants and more than 4,000 new team members annually, including hundreds of executive leaders.

Organization Website: https://savoryfund.com

Linkedin or Social: https://linkedin.com/in/shauna-k-smith

Course Title: 

Operations Formulas for Emerging Brands

Course Description:

Unlock the keys to scaling your business effectively with insights from Shauna Smith, the dynamic CEO and Co-Founder of Savory Fund. In this enlightening session, “Operations Formulas for Emerging Brands,” Shauna brings her wealth of experience in the food and beverage industry to the Entrepreneurship track at Utah Business Forward. Discover proven strategies and operational frameworks that have propelled over 430 restaurants to success nationwide.

Drawing on her journey from launching a single bakery and café amidst the Great Recession to steering a fund with $750 million in assets, Shauna will delve into the critical components that empower emerging brands to flourish. Learn how to harness capital, leverage industry expertise, and implement operational excellence to transform founder-led ventures into thriving multi-unit enterprises.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, this course offers valuable insights into creating sustainable growth and competitive advantage in the dynamic landscape of emerging brands. Join Shauna to equip yourself with the tools and mindset needed to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive your brand’s future success.