Via 313 Pizzeria, which dishes up genuine Detroit-style pizza in 23 locations across three states, today announced a capital raise of $32.5 million, led by Asilia Investments and Brightwood Capital Advisors.

The capital will be used to execute Via 313’s ambitious growth strategy, which includes a target 100% growth of unit count by adding 20-plus stores within the next three years. With Via 313 currently in five major metros, the plan prioritizes doubling down on the brand’s current geography, adding seasoned leadership, and leading the Detroit-style revolution with increased focus in marketing, loyalty and experience.

Founded 14 years ago by Detroit-born brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt, Via 313 is a red-hot concept that got ahead of the Detroit-style curve early on. According to a press release, Via 313 has grown its revenues by more than 300% in the last three years, landing on the coveted 2024 Inc. 5000 list, which chronicles the fastest-growing private companies in America.

Related: Rise of an empire: Via 313 gears up to conquer the West

 Via 313 is partnered with Savory Fund, an innovative private equity firm that invests in emerging restaurant concepts. Together, they have expanded Via 313 from three full-service restaurants and two permanently placed trailers to 23 total locations, taking it into new markets and optimizing efficiencies for scale—all while adding a highly experienced above-store team to support the incoming growth, the company said.

“We couldn’t be happier with the trajectory of this brand,” said Andrew K. Smith, managing director of Savory Fund. “We’ve got the right leaders in place, we have a strong growth strategy, and we are energized by our new partners, Asilia and Brightwood, who understand the power and potential of Via 313. It is a special brand with limitless growth potential. Plus, we have the best pizza in the country—and I say that as a Chicago native who knows and loves pizza.”

Asilia Investments, based in Salt Lake City, is an alternative investment firm focused on private equity, real estate and private lending. “We are pleased to partner with the Via 313 and Savory teams,” said Austin Read, partner at Asilia. “With an exceptional management team, distinctive offerings, and a strong brand—combined with the strategic support of Savory’s deep industry expertise—we are confident Via 313 is well-positioned to sustain its remarkable growth.”

Brightwood Capital Advisors, based out of New York City, focuses on small to medium-sized enterprises in the industries of business services, healthcare services, transportation, franchising and technology. “We are excited that the additional capital provided through this partnership will support new store openings across Texas, Utah and Colorado,” said Sengal Selassie, founder and CEO of Brightwood Capital. “The brand has been at the forefront of bringing Detroit-style pizza to markets outside the Midwest, and we look forward to continued growth.”  

Via 313 debuted in a small, nondescript trailer in Austin, Texas. “Via 313 started because we wanted to share our favorite pizza with the rest of the country,” Zane Hunt said. “Lifting up communities—whether it’s through a delicious slice of pizza or through our ‘Better Giving Through Pizza’ initiative—is a core pillar of who we are. No matter how big we get, every single community Via 313 is a part of will continue to honor that. As we prepare for this next phase of growth, we look forward to the opportunity to connect with and support more communities with unforgettable food and hometown hospitality. We’re grateful and excited for the journey ahead.”

Via 313 has won numerous awards on both local and national stages, including “Independent Pizzeria of the Year” by Pizza Today, “Top 10 Pizzas of the Year” from Food Network, and “Best Gluten-Free Pizza” from USA Today. The brothers were also featured on PMQ Pizza’s cover in September 2021 and appeared at PMQ’s 2024 Pizza Power Forum in Atlanta.

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