Arbor Investments nabs garlic bread manufacturer

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Arbor Investments nabs garlic bread manufacturer

9 Feb 2026

Maddie Lambert

Maddie Lambert is a copywriter and editor from Joplin, MO. She graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English – literary studies. When she’s not poring over the magazine or lost in the pages of a new novel, you can find Maddie exploring her local bookstores, spending time with her husband, or sharing her latest literary discoveries with fellow book enthusiasts.

PALM BEACH, FL — Arbor Investments announced the acquisition of Furlani Foods, one of North America’s largest manufacturers of frozen and ambient garlic bread products. Winston & Strawn served as Arbor’s legal counsel for the transaction; the terms were not disclosed.

Operating multiple facilities across the US and Canada, Furlani produces a wide range of specialty breads, including garlic Texas toast, cheese bread, breadsticks and garlic knots. Products are sold under the Furlani and Cole’s brands, as well as through grocery retailer private label programs.

“From tortillas and croissants to waffles and pastries, I’ve always had a soft spot for baking businesses,” said Greg Purcell, co-founder and CEO of Arbor Investments. “Our philosophy is to invest in taste and value, and Furlani hits the mark on both. Add in our team’s deep expertise in baking, and I’m confident we can accelerate growth and win new customers and channels.”

Jonathan Kawaja, CEO of Furlani, and the company’s senior leadership team will continue leading the business in their current roles.

“[Furlani’s] next phase of expansion will require more of the same: continued investment in growth CapEx and compelling innovation to meet the needs of their customers.” — John Jordan | president | Arbor Investments

“Throughout the process, it became clear Arbor would be an excellent fit for Furlani,” Kawaja said. “Arbor’s know-how and resources in the baking industry, combined with a shared vision, position us well to continue serving our customers and consumers at the highest level.”

The acquisition expands Arbor’s footprint in the growing specialty bakery sector and represents the third platform investment for the private equity firm. To date, Arbor has invested in 19 baking businesses and has maintained a baking platform in each of its investment funds. This includes Golden Waffles, Crown Bakeries, Rise Baking, Gold Standard Baking and Great Kitchens.

“Jonathan and the Furlani team have established themselves as leaders in the specialty garlic bread category by making significant investments in capacity and innovation over the years,” said John Jordan, president at Arbor. “[Furlani’s] next phase of expansion will require more of the same: continued investment in growth CapEx and compelling innovation to meet the needs of their customers. This aligns seamlessly with Arbor’s playbook, and we look forward to partnering on this next chapter together.”

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