Sam Kaufman
Managing Director

Mr. Kaufman is a financial and investment professional with over 20 years experience dedicated to the restaurant and hospitality sector.  His background spans early-stage growth concepts, turnarounds, and large company experience, including nearly two decades of leadership experience with restaurant companies operating in the US and Canada and five years experience in private equity and consulting focused primarily on the restaurant industry. 

In addition to partnering with Blackthorn, where Mr. Kaufman focuses on value creation initiatives for clients and investment opportunities, he is the Founder and Principal at Hilltop Food and Beverage Advisors, a boutique advisory firm that focuses on consulting in the food and beverage industry, partnering with both private equity investors and operating companies.  Through Hilltop, Sam has served in interim CEO and CFO roles within various businesses, as well as leading diligence efforts on potential investment opportunities for clients. 

Prior to his current roles, Mr. Kaufman served as an Operating Partner with Hargett Hunter, a lower-middle market private equity firm specializing in early-stage investments in the restaurant industry.  While at Hargett Hunter, Mr. Kaufman also was the Chief Business Officer and Co-President at Marugame Udon USA, focused on executing the growth strategy for expansion in the US. 

Prior to his time with Hargett Hunter, Sam served as Chief Financial Officer of Sprinkles Cupcakes, a premium dessert brand with 30 locations across the US.  Before joining Sprinkles, Mr. Kaufman was Vice President of Finance for LeDuff America, a restaurant holding company that owned a portfolio of 8 brands with over 500 restaurants across the US and Canada and a manufacturing business.  Prior to the formation of LeDuff America, Mr. Kaufman held various leadership roles with LaMadeleine Country French Café which later became the foundation for LeDuff America.  Prior to Le Duff America, Sam worked in various capacities at Magic Brands (parent company of Fuddruckers) and Brinker International (parent company of Chili’s, Macaroni Grill, On The Border, Rockfish, Maggiano’s, and Corner Bakery).