Portfolio Companies
Acadian Kitchens, LLC is the holding company formed in 2017 to acquire Southern Seasonings, LLC of Broussard, LA. Acadian Kitchens is a leading producer of high quality authentic Cajun and Creole food products including seasonings, roux, sauces, meal mixes, dry soup fixings, bean mixes, relish and fish fry. The company’s products are marketed on a multi-regional basis under its brands Ragin’ Cajun, Cajun’s Choice, Bootsie’s and Southern Seasonings as well as on a private label basis to retail grocery, institutional and foodservice customers.
Mr. Glastris serves as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Ellis serves as Vice President and Director of the company.
Based in the Chicago area, Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC is a technology-enabled transportation and logistics company with over 70 years of experience. It is comprised of 3 divisions: Vehicle Transport, Truck Transport, and Drivers On Demand – serving large corporate and commercial fleets, upfitters, dealerships, vehicle manufacturers, auctions, and fleet leasing and management companies, to provide fast, safe, and efficient door-to-door relocation, vehicle storage, and inventory management and logistics services nationwide. Auto Driveaway transports all vehicle types and asset classes and offers secured storage at 40+ staffed locations across the United States. In addition, Auto Driveaway performs a full range of licensing and titling, transactions, vehicle reconditioning and maintenance, and a host of ancillary services to ensure its customers receive vehicles that are ready to work according to client specifications.
The company was formed in December 2014 by CEO Rodney Ruth and the principals of Evanston Partners. Mr. Glastris serves as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Ellis serves as Chief Financial Officer and Director of the company.
Founded in 1946, Felbro Culinary Group develops, blends, packages and distributes liquid and dry blended beverages, ingredients, desserts, syrups, sauces, soups and a variety of other products through foodservice, retail and industrial channels. Customers include regional and national quick service restaurant, donut and coffee chains, national retailers, foodservice ingredient suppliers and foodservice distributors with a particular focus in California and the US west coast. The company was acquired from the founding family in September 2024 in partnership with Clover Capital Partners and a group of private investors.
Mr. Glastris and Mr. Ellis serve as personal investors and directors of the company.
Heavy Duty Specialists, based in Omaha, NE, was founded in 1976 and is a niche-focused, value-added industrial distributor which supplies preventative maintenance products and consumables to the railroad maintenance of way and construction industries. Major product categories supplied by HDS include filters, starters/alternators, oils/lubricants, LED lighting and air system components.
The company was acquired in 2021. Mr. Glastris serves as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Ellis serves as Vice President and Director of the company.
Kouzina Foods LLC
Chicago, IL
Kouzina Foods LLC, based in Chicago, IL is a US based joint venture focused on a new branded imported premium fillo products line targeting specific club stores, Wal-Mart, Aldi, and foodservice customers. The Company was formed in 2020 by Alfa Pastry, Devanco Foods, and Evanston Partners LLC.
Mr. Glastris serves as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Ellis serves as a Director and of the company.
Taratsa Hospitality Partners LLC
Chicago, IL
Taratsa Hospitality Partners LLC was formed in late 2024 by Alan Cichon (former President of Avli Hospitality Group) along with other key team members and Evanston Partners in an equity redemption transaction/carve out from Avli to own, operate and complete the large scale in progress Fulton Market Chicago based project including private event venue (Morgan’s on Fulton), fast casual restaurant (Pitaki), full-service corner restaurant (under development) and live music venue (The Wild Hare). The multi-brand complex occupies 24,000 sq ft. at 950 W. Fulton Street in the heart of the dynamic and rapidly growing Fulton Market district.
Mr. Glastris serves as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Ellis serves as a Director of the company.
Founded in 1936, Viobin Products LLC is a unique, niche-focused producer of defatted wheat germ and wheat germ oil for customers in consumer-packaged foods, food manufacturing, nutraceutical/personal care product manufacturing, animal nutrition and ingredient export/distribution. The company’s capabilities include solvent extraction, and oil dewaxing/distillation/impurity removal. Viobin is the world’s largest manufacturer of defatted wheat germ and wheat germ oil. Viobin also produces a line of CBD based packaged goods including dietary supplements, lotions, balms, tinctures, oil and sleep support capsules. The company was acquired in August 2024 from PHM Brands, a private flour milling company.
Mr. Glastris serves as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Ellis serves as a Vice President and Director of the company.
Washos LLC is a leading technology platform for mobile car washing, detailing and ceramic services. Since 2015, Washos has served hundreds of thousands of customers in southern California. Washos merged with Sparkl Mobile LLC in 2023 and today serves customers in Chicago, Dallas, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Tampa, and Washington DC.
Mr. Ellis serves as a Director of the company.
The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary has been “Reggae Capital USA” for over 40 years. Originally located a block south of Wrigley Field, The Wild Hare has since August 2012 been located at 2610 N. Halsted Street (at Wrightwood) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. The Wild Hare has been privileged to host the broadest and most complete group of artists the reggae world has ever known and has a unique historical place as a showcase for reggae music worldwide. The Wild Hare features local, regional and international artists performing reggae music in all its forms six nights a week. The venue also features great Caribbean cuisine and hosts private parties.
Mr. Glastris and several long-time management team members of The Wild Hare acquired the assets and relocated The Wild Hare in May 2012.
