Firehook Bakery Acquired by Forward Consumer Partners

Firehook Bakery has been acquired by Forward Consumer Partners, a private investment firm focused on branded consumer businesses.

Pierre Abushacra, Firehook’s founder and member of Specialty Food Association’s board, will retain a significant minority stake in the company going forward.

“In identifying a partner to shepherd Firehook’s next phase of growth, it was essential to find a team who could support our mission of continuing to build an exceptional business rooted in quality and transparency,” said Abushacra, in a statement. “Forward shares our vision and, most importantly, our values. Their track record of helping grow iconic consumer brands makes the Firm an ideal partner as we continue to propel our business forward.”

Firehook was founded in 1992 in Alexandria, Virginia as a neighborhood bakery specializing in organic sourdough breads and simply-made baked goods. The company’s name was inspired by a tool dating bake thousands of years to the first-known bakers, who used a hook-shaped implement to pull their creations out of clay pots in sunken fire pits. Fueled by its local success, Firehook expanded nationally, guided by a commitment to its team of bakers and loyal customers.

It has grown at a 50 percent CAGR over the past decade to become the #1 brand of artisanal crackers in the U.S.

Concurrent with the closing, Maura Mottolese will become Firehook’s new CEO. She has previously served as CEO of Cholula and Tate’s Bake Shop.

“It is a true privilege to join a business with such a rare combination of existing success and future opportunity,” she said. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation that Pierre and team have created as we strengthen the Firehook brand, expand the company’s capabilities, and grow its loyal base of consumers.”