Uncle Maddio’s Pizza announced today that Rutherford Seydel, attorney, conservationist and business investor, who has been part of the Atlanta Hawks ownership since 2003, has acquired a minority share of Uncle Maddio’s and has agreed to serve on the Board of Advisors. Seydel’s investment comes on the heels of a minority share acquisition from S&S Investments.
Both Seydel and S&S view Uncle Maddio’s as the pioneer and leader of the category and a brand positioned for continued growth. The investors cited the experienced leadership team and the nationwide franchisee interest as strong indicators of its potential and believe Uncle Maddio’s is the best-in-class fast-casual pizza concept around.
“I have spent my career leading and working with many great Atlanta brands and organizations,” said Seydel.
Seydel became one of the first investors in Moe’s Southwest Grill, a concept co-founded by Uncle Maddio’s CEO Matt Andrew, among other brands. Seydel is a partner in the law firm of Davis, Pickren, Seydel & Sneed, and is an active part of its growing real estate, franchising and business transactions practices. He is married to environmental champion Laura Turner Seydel, the daughter of Ted Turner. Laura and Rutherford are co-founders of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and he is the Board Chairman.
Uncle Maddio’s will use the capital to augment the company’s infrastructure and human capital, as the fast-casual pizza chain plans to triple the staff in its headquarters to 30 people this year – a strategy aimed at both enriching franchisee support, as well as staying abreast on cutting-edge technology. Currently, Uncle Maddio’s operates 44 locations in 14 states.
“Rutherford Seydel brings with him an unmatched network of business connections and experience,” said Matt Andrew. “As we grow, his input and insight will be invaluable to our brand.”
