F&B Capital Launches to Fill Critical Gap in Franchise Finance Market

CHICAGO, March 24, 2026 – Two industry powerhouses, strategic investment group ZJD and Branded Capital Solutions, have announced the formation of F&B Capital, a new joint venture designed to address a persistent and growing need within the franchise ecosystem for flexible, strategic financing.

The new capital markets firm aims to carve out a distinct niche by providing tailored capital solutions for franchisors and franchisees who are seeking to fund growth, manage ownership transitions, or strengthen their operations without resorting to a full or majority sale of their business. The venture brings together deep expertise from the worlds of franchising, public relations, finance, and hospitality operations.

A New Model for an Underserved Market

The launch of F&B Capital comes at a critical time for the franchise industry. While franchising remains a potent engine for business growth, accessing capital has become an increasingly complex challenge. Traditional lenders have tightened their requirements in a softening economy, with rising interest rates making debt more expensive. Recent industry data shows that only a fraction of small business loan applications receive full approval, leaving many viable franchise operators in a difficult position.

This creates a significant “funding gap,” particularly for emerging and mid-sized brands that may not fit the rigid criteria of large banks but require capital to scale. F&B Capital is specifically designed to fill this void. Instead of facilitating broad, auction-style buyout processes, the firm will focus on more nuanced financial instruments, including growth equity raising, structured credit, and minority recapitalizations.

This approach is a direct response to a clear market demand. Many successful franchisors and multi-unit franchisees want to secure capital for expansion, technology upgrades, or to buy out a partner, but they are unwilling to cede control of the business they have built. F&B Capital’s model provides a pathway to achieve these strategic goals while retaining significant ownership and operational authority.

"F&B Capital was created to meet the real-world capital needs we continue to see across the franchise landscape," said Zack Fishman, who will serve as Managing Partner on behalf of ZJD. "There are many strong franchisors and franchisees that do not need or want a majority sale, but still require thoughtful access to capital or strategic advisory support. We see a meaningful opportunity to help operators and brands secure the right financial solutions to support ownership transitions, fund growth, and strengthen their businesses for the long haul."

A Powerhouse Partnership of Specialists

The credibility and potential impact of F&B Capital are anchored in the formidable partnership behind it. The venture is a synthesis of complementary expertise, combining ZJD's long-term investment philosophy with Branded Capital Solutions' transactional and operational prowess.

ZJD is the strategic investment group backed by the industry veterans behind Fishman PR and Franchise Elevator PR, firms that have spent decades deeply embedded in the franchise world. This background provides an unparalleled network and an innate understanding of what makes franchise systems succeed, from emerging concepts to established global brands. The ZJD team includes Zack Fishman, Brad Fishman, and Jake Fishman.

On the other side of the partnership is Branded Capital Solutions, a subsidiary of the multifaceted Branded Hospitality platform. Co-founded by Jimmy Frischling and Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg, Branded Hospitality is a leading investment and solutions platform known for its hands-on approach. With a team of experienced restaurant operators, venture capitalists, and corporate matchmakers, it brings a crucial “boots on the ground” perspective. Branded Capital Solutions specializes in M&A advisory, capital raises, and strategic partnerships, helping founders move with speed and confidence.

"Branded Hospitality has always believed in backing the people and companies building the future of hospitality franchising," said Jimmy Frischling, who will serve as Managing Partner on behalf of Branded Capital Solutions. "With F&B Capital, we combine sector knowledge, transactional experience, and industry connectivity to offer franchises a highly focused advisory platform. We believe this venture fills an important gap for brands and operators seeking sophisticated capital solutions tailored to their specific stage of growth and ownership goals."

This combination of ZJD's franchise-centric investment acumen and Branded's financial and operational expertise, supported by a team that also includes Evan Veryard, creates a unique advisory firm that can speak the language of both Wall Street and the franchise front lines.

Beyond the Buyout: The Evolution of Franchise Investment

The formation of F&B Capital also signals a broader maturation in the franchise investment landscape. For years, the primary narrative around private equity in franchising centered on majority buyouts and control transactions. While that market remains robust, a growing number of operators are seeking more sophisticated, partnership-oriented financial relationships.

Modern franchises are navigating a host of complex challenges and opportunities, from financing technological modernizations and implementing new operational infrastructure to planning for multi-generational ownership transfers. These situations often require a level of financial flexibility and strategic guidance that goes beyond what traditional loans or all-or-nothing buyouts can offer.

F&B Capital is positioned to lead this evolution. By specializing in advising concepts on strategic growth, ownership transitions, and tailored capital solutions, the firm is betting that the future of franchise finance lies in flexibility. It aims to become a trusted long-term partner rather than a temporary transactional advisor, helping franchise stakeholders pursue outcomes that prioritize sustainable growth and align with their personal ownership goals. This model reflects a shift from a purely transactional mindset to one focused on building enduring value within the franchise ecosystem.