Navis Food Partners

Owen Schiano is the Chief Executive Officer as of July 2025 (per firm website). He reports to an Executive Chairman, Sean Griffin, and a Board of Directors that includes representatives from Frontenac and independent directors. Robert Berkowitz remains Chairman Emeritus and a major equity holder.

The firm invites inbound inquiries from Northeast-based independent foodservice distributors interested in joining its platform. It does not publicly disclose a proactive sourcing team or intermediary relationships. The website states it is looking for companies with unique capabilities, value-added services, and specialized category offerings.

Navis Food Partners functions as a platform holding company, not a single family office. It aggregates independent distributors and provides centralized back-office support while preserving local brand and management. Its ownership structure is not publicly disclosed, but the board includes directors from Frontenac, suggesting institutional investment.

Navis Food Partners appears to execute only direct acquisitions of independent foodservice distributors. There is no public evidence of fund-of-funds or third-party GP commitments. The firm's strategy is to acquire and hold companies on a permanent or long-term basis.

The firm targets established, independent foodservice distributors — likely smaller or mid-market companies — that are willing to join a larger platform while retaining operational autonomy. It does not publicly disclose revenue or EBITDA thresholds.

The firm's mandate is limited to foodservice distribution in the Northeast United States. It does not pursue investments outside this geography or in other sectors such as technology, healthcare, or real estate.

Frontenac, a Chicago-based private equity firm, holds board seats at Navis Food Partners. Betsy Williamson serves as Managing Director of Frontenac and Kenneth Kluckman as Vice President on the Navis board. The nature of Frontenac's equity stake is not publicly detailed.