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.
Avli Foods LLC based in Chicago, IL owns and operates Avli Inspired Greek restaurants in the north side Chicago neighborhoods of Lincoln Park, River North, Lakeshore East and Fulton Market in addition to being sister locations of the original Avli Estiatorio of suburban Winnetka. Creative, reinvented cuisine meets Greek tradition so guests may experience our core philosophies of Philoxenia (hospitality), Kefi (joy) and Meraki (soul). Featuring a curated Greek wine list, crafted cocktails and traditional spirits and an ambiance that reflects life in the Mediterranean.
The company was formed in December 2017 by Lamros Alexakis, Lou Canellis and Mr. Glastris.
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.
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.
Investment Portfolio
Evanston Partners, LLC
1563 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847-868-3902
Email: jellis@evanstonpartners.com
Photos by Carl Larson
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