Brooklyn Dumpling Parent Holdings Inc. (New York) has announced two major steps that will help it expand: it has secured some added funding and hired a new CEO.
The company said it recently closed a funding round (for an undisclosed sum) that includes well-known investors such as Kevin O’Leary from the “Shark Tank” TV show and fellow guest Shark and prolific food investor Matt Higgins. The investment will be used “to scale the business through franchise restaurant growth, consumer product expansion, team building, accelerated marketing efforts and adjacent acquisitions,” the company said in a news release.
In addition, the company has hired restaurant industry veteran Jeff Galletly as CEO. Galletly was formerly at Restaurant Brands International Inc., most recently serving as VP and General Manager of its Tim Hortons USA unit.
In his role new role, Galletly will oversee operations in current locations across North America, while focusing on business growth, franchise expansion, culinary and technology innovation and winning with consumers every day. He will also enhance comprehensive support, training, and operational resources to existing franchisees in the United States and Canada.
Said investor O’Leary: “With his extensive record of visionary leadership and dedication to operational excellence, Jeff is well equipped to lead the company into its next phase of growth.”
Earlier this year, the business went international with its first shop in Calgary opening as part of a 100-unit Canadian master franchise deal.
Currently, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop has 11 locations in such cities as New York, Dallas, Austin, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Calgary — with a number of additional locations slated to open in 2024, including new markets Miami and Vancouver.
Having opened its first location in May 2021, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop’s menu includes Korean BBQ, mac and cheese, smashed apple pie and smashed burgers.