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Fast-Casual Concepts

Savory Fund Has Invested in Zao Asian Grill to Scale National Growth

Savory Fund announced a strategic investment in Zao Asian Grill, a Mountain West-based pan-Asian fast-casual chain with 23 locations. Zao serves chef-driven bowls, salads, wraps, tacos and soups featuring proteins, noodles, rice, vegetables and scratch-made sauces, while reporting 18.2% same-store sales growth.

The partnership combines Savory Fund’s restaurant scaling experience with Zao’s leadership team, including founder Dave Duffin, CEO Tom Hartman and CFO Paul Killpack. Zao also secured a $12.5 million debt facility from Columbia Bank to support new restaurant development, with more than 10 additional locations projected through 2027. Catering growth, clean ingredients and limited-time offers have helped drive recent momentum.

For consumers, the investment could bring Zao’s approachable Asian-inspired menu to more markets. The deal reflects continued private equity interest in emerging fast-casual concepts with proven regional traction and national growth potential.

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Fast-Casual Concepts
Source
Trend Hunter
Published
2026-08-21
Category
Business
Credited
restaurantmagazine

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