FoxDen Capital Grows Food Portfolio With Acquisition of US Pizza

A Google Street View image of the U.S. Pizza location in Little Rock's Hillcrest neighborhood (© Google)

FoxDen Capital of Little Rock has bought U.S. Pizza Co., the pizza restaurant chain founded in 1972 in North Little Rock by Judy Waller.

U.S. Pizza has three locations in Little Rock along with restaurants in North Little Rock, Sherwood, Maumelle, Bryant and Fayetteville. It also has franchise restaurants in Batesville, Cabot, Conway, Little Rock and Springdale.

The purchase was confirmed Tuesday by Drew Weber, chief operating officer of U.S. Pizza. No price was disclosed.

In a news release, FoxDen Capital said it plans to lay the groundwork for U.S. Pizza to expand across Arkansas and beyond. The investment firm plans to “refresh” existing U.S. Pizza locations to create more inviting and welcoming atmospheres; provide operational updates and staff training opportunities; and expand the menu and explore new seasonal offerings.

FoxDen Capital said it will also add beverage selections from Lost Forty Brewing of Little Rock to each U.S. Pizza location.

“We’re thrilled to welcome U.S. Pizza into the FoxDen Capital family,” Ken Vaughan, the newly-appointed president of U.S. Pizza, said in the release. “This is more than a business transaction — it’s an opportunity to protect a legacy, support its people, and help this incredible brand evolve without losing the identity that made it iconic. We look forward to working closely as partners including the staff, and loyal guests as we continue to build a place where traditions thrive.”

In January, Yellow Rocket Concepts of Little Rock announced that it was partnering with FoxDen in what was described as an effort to boost growth and move beyond Arkansas. Yellow Rocket is the company behind Lost Forty Brewing and restaurant projects including Big Orange, Local Lime and Heights Taco & Tamale.

FoxDen, led by CEO Todd Denton, invests in lower- to middle-market enterprises spanning various sectors. The company’s portfolio includes the Purple Cow restaurant, Beyond Wellness, Trucklots and Conveyor Technology.