Rōti Modern Mediterranean, the Chicago based, fast-casual Mediterranean brand with 34 locations, has announced a $23 million equity investment led by Valor Equity Partners. Valor is a Chicago based growth investment firm focused on high growth companies across various stages of development, bringing their unique expertise to solve the challenges of growth and scale. As part of the investment, Valor’s Partner and CFO Jon Shulkin will join Roti’s board of directors. The investment will go toward national expansion, building out its team and culture, and advancing technology to support growth.

Started in 2007 by a couple of friends who lamented the fact that there was no great place to find delicious, healthy,and wholesome food from around the Mediterranean, Roti highlights the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. Serving Food That Loves You Back, customers have complete control of their meal with customizable rice plates, salads, and wraps + pitas. All made from the freshest and highest quality ingredients and prepared in every restaurant, Roti uses 100 percent grass-fed steak, antibiotic free chicken, organic chickpeas in their hummus and falafel, fresh sustainably raised Atlantic salmon, and family farmed Feta cheese, to name a few of their high-quality ingredients.

“We are thrilled and honored to have Valor invest in Roti and are excited about the high-growth expertise they bring to the table,” says Carl Segal, Roti’s chief executive officer. “We live in a rapidly changing world where technology is driving much of our daily routines. Having a partner who sees opportunities in bringing advanced digital solutions to deliver a better food experience to our customers anytime, anywhere, anyhow, will help us grow smarter and faster.

Their wide experience; from investing and growing Tesla Motors, SolarCity and SpaceX to Fooda, Wao Bao, and Eatsa, make them the perfect partner for us.”

“From the first time we first met Mats Lederhausen, Roti’s Chairman and co-founder, and Carl Segal, Roti’s CEO, we knew there was something really special behind the brand. In addition to the leadership, the food and customer experience sets Roti apart from any of the other players in the space,” says Jon Shulkin, Partner at Valor Equity Partners. “We are incredibly excited to partner with Roti to help further technology enable the concept and connect with more customers everywhere.”