Alonzo Cudd Joins HOST Platform
November 1st, 2021
Raleigh, NC – Hargett Hunter Capital Management has announced the addition of Alonzo Cudd to the private equity firm’s Operating Services Team, also known as its ‘HOST Platform’. Cudd will serve as Hargett Hunter’s strategic resource focused on marketing while serving alongside other highly talented restaurant operators on the HOST Platform focused on supporting growth investments made by the firm.
Simultaneously, Cudd joined Marugame Udon USA (‘Marugame’) as the Chief Marketing Officer to oversee overall brand development, advertising, digital marketing, and marketing operations. Marugame Udon, founded and operated by parent company Toridoll Holdings Corporation, has 1100+ restaurant locations worldwide and, through a joint venture with Hargett Hunter, currently operate eight (8) locations across the United States with stores in Hawaii, California, and Texas. Hargett Hunter’s deal with Marugame Udon USA was highlighted by Restaurant Hospitality as one of the ‘9 big investments in the independent restaurant space of 2019’.
A 25-year restaurant industry veteran, Alonzo spent nearly fifteen years with Chipotle Mexican Grill starting in 2003. At the time, Cudd helped the little-known burrito chain build the company’s local store marketing programs designed to establish the brand in new markets, beginning with the highly competitive Los Angeles market. During his time with Chipotle, Cudd rose to National Marketing Director where he developed companywide strategies including partnerships and events, and digital integrations while leading a team of more than fifty people in over thirty U.S. markets.
Before joining Hargett Hunter and Marugame Udon, Cudd most recently served as a marketing consultant for growth restaurant brands such as Mendocino Farms, Everytable and Pokeworks. He started his career in restaurant operations as a manager of independent and multi-unit restaurant brands that serve to enhance his valuable 360-degree view of the industry and helps bolster his role in supporting the marketing needs for Hargett Hunter’s restaurant chains and launching Marugame Udon throughout the United States.
An avid golfer and surfer, the Laguna Beach, California resident is always looking for that perfect fairway or wave. He is also nurturing his newest obsession with the Big Green Egg, so NFL Sundays are for barbecue and football with his wife, son, family, and friends – especially when his beloved Cowboys are playing.
About Hargett Hunter
Hargett Hunter is a unique private equity firm that invests exclusively in emerging and established restaurant chains generating a minimum of $10 million in annual sales. In addition to capital, Hargett Hunter offers industry leading resources in support of the growth plans commonly executed by emerging brands with less than 100 units. By focusing exclusively on US restaurant chains, the firm offers significant expertise in the hospitality industry and serves as the preferred partner for investors looking for exposure to the restaurant industry as well as for operators looking for a value-added partner in growing their brands. Hargett Hunter is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. For more information, please visit www.hargetthunter.com.
