Novelty Hill Serves as Exclusive Investment Banker to Garlic King in Acquisition by I Love Produce
Novelty Hill is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive financial advisor to Garlic King in their recent acquisition by I Love Produce.
Founded with a commitment to quality and consistency, Garlic King has built a strong reputation as a trusted supplier of premium garlic products to customers across the United States. The transaction marks an important milestone for the company, positioning it for continued growth and expanded distribution under the I Love Produce platform.
I Love Produce, a leading distributor of specialty produce, brings a robust network and deep industry expertise that will support Garlic King’s next phase of growth. The combination enhances I Love Produce’s product offering while strengthening its presence in the value-added produce category.
Navigating this transaction alongside Garlic King was a rewarding experience from start to finish. Their team has built a strong business, and it was critical to find a partner who not only recognized that value but also would help accelerate their next phase of growth. I Love Produce stood out as a natural fit, and we’re proud to have guided Garlic King through a successful outcome that positions them well for the years to come.
Members of the Novelty Hill Transaction Team
About Novelty Hill
Novelty Hill is a boutique investment bank focused on advising founder-led and middle-market companies on mergers & acquisitions and strategic advisory engagements. We look for deals that go beyond the numbers and align organizations with shared visions and priorities. Garlic King has spent years building a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in the garlic space, and by joining the I Live Produce family, they are positioned to bring their premium products to a much wider audience.
Having worked alongside the Garlic King team over the years, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see their continued growth and success. They’ve built a business grounded in quality, consistency, and strong customer relationships. I Love Produce is a natural partner to help carry that legacy forward and expand their reach in meaningful ways.
NOVELTY HILL SERVES AS EXCLUSIVE INVESTMENT BANKER IN MERLINO FOODS ACQUISITION BY ERICKSON FAMILY
SEATTLE, WA – October 29, 2025: Novelty Hill Capital is pleased to announce its role as the exclusive financial advisor to The Erickson Family in its acquisition of Merlino Foods. This transaction ensures the 125-year-old Seattle institution remains independent under local ownership. It further marks a thoughtful transition of stewardship from the Biesold Family, who led the company for nearly 50 years, to the Erickson Family, whose food industry heritage dates back to 1923 with the founding of Harbor Foods in Aberdeen, Washington.
The acquisition represents the continuation of a legacy business deeply woven into the Pacific Northwest’s culinary community. Merlino Foods will continue to operate as a stand-alone company, separate from Harbor Foods, maintaining its long-standing commitment to exceptional service, product quality, and its close-knit team culture.
Todd Biesold, Owner of Merlino Foods, on behalf of the Biesold Family, stated: “Over the past 50 years, we’ve built Merlino Foods into the premier specialty food distributor in the Seattle market. It was imperative to pass the company to a family that would continue to build on our legacy. We are confident that Merlino Foods will be in great hands and remain grateful to the customers, employees, and partners who have supported us for decades.”
Justin Erickson, Chairman of Merlino Foods, added: “Our family is truly honored to carry on the Merlino Foods legacy. This company is part of Seattle’s history and food culture, and we are committed to preserving its independence, exceptional service, and caring team. We look forward to supporting Merlino’s continued growth and deep community impact.”
Michael Barber, Founder, CEO & Managing Director of Novelty Hill Capital, commented: “Facilitating the transition of a 125-year-old family business requires both financial expertise and deep respect for legacy. We are proud to have guided The Erickson Family through this process and to have partnered with the Biesold family and Merlino Foods, which share the Erickson Family’s commitment to independence, quality, and community. This transaction ensures Merlino Foods will continue to thrive as a cornerstone of Seattle’s specialty food industry for generations to come.”
Founded in 1900 by Angelo Merlino to serve Seattle’s growing Italian community, Merlino Foods has grown into one of the region’s most respected specialty food distributors. Under the Biesold Family’s five-decade leadership, the company became a trusted partner to restaurants and chefs across the Pacific Northwest, known for its unparalleled service, curated imports, and enduring family-driven values.
The Erickson Family’s roots in the Pacific Northwest food industry span more than a century. Beginning in 1923, Justin Erickson’s great-grandfather established Harbor Foods, which has evolved into one of the region’s largest independent distributors. The family’s acquisition of Merlino Foods ensures that the brand’s independence, heritage, and people-first culture remain intact while benefiting from generations of operational expertise in the foodservice industry.
Novelty Hill Advises Sound Glass in Sale to LLM Ventures
SEATTLE, WA – October 22, 2025: Novelty Hill Capital, a leading middle-market investment bank based in Seattle, Washington, is pleased to announce that its client Sound Glass has been acquired by LLM Ventures, a strategic buyer and owner of construction and construction-related services companies. For over four decades, Sound Glass has been a premier provider of window and door products and services in the Greater Puget Sound region, serving homeowners, contractors, and remodelers with a commitment to quality and community.
Novelty Hill Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor to Sound Glass on the transaction, honoring the legacy built by founder Warren Willoughby while positioning the company for its next phase of growth through additional opportunities for scale and expanded markets. LLM Ventures, focused on commercial, light commercial, and residential construction, is well positioned to build upon the strong foundation and market leadership Sound Glass has established since its founding in 1983 in Lakewood, Washington, with showrooms in Tacoma
and Bremerton.
Nick DeVaney, Managing Director at Novelty Hill Capital, emphasized the importance of honoring legacy in business transitions: "Sound Glass was and is the market leader with a 40+ year history. The natural progression of the company, employees, and opportunities for growth aligned well with Warren's timing and desire. When a company and owner possess such a respected legacy and history, you naturally want to honor them in every facet of the deal allowable, which also means structuring a deal that allows that legacy to continue."
The transaction furthers Novelty Hill Capital's leadership in the industrial, construction, and services industries. For more information, please contact Nick DeVaney and Sean Ostrander of our industrials team.
Novelty Hill Advises Molly Bz on Growth Investment
SEATTLE, WA – August 12, 2025: Novelty Hill Capital, a leading middle-market investment bank based in Seattle, Washington, is pleased to announce that Molly Bz, a rapidly growing gourmet cookie brand, has received a significant growth investment to fuel its next phase of national expansion.
Novelty Hill Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor to Molly Bz on the transaction.
Founded in 2018 by Molly Blakeley in Soldotna, Alaska, Molly Bz has become a nationally recognized brand known for its innovative, bold-flavored gourmet cookies that “aren’t the cookies your grammy used to make.” Starting with just $150 as a single mom, Blakeley transformed her small Alaskan kitchen into a thriving business that has been featured in Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy gift bags.
The company’s unique flavor combinations—including signature “boozy-flavored” cookies made with premium extracts and 20% Ghirardelli chocolate—have captured the attention of major retailers nationwide. Molly Bz products are currently sold on QVC, Target, 7-Eleven, Amazon, Great Wolf Resorts, and hundreds of specialty retail locations across the country. The brand won two Walmart Golden Tickets at the 2023 Open Call and has been featured in Martha Stewart Magazine and other major media platforms.
This investment will allow Molly Bz to expand distribution, scale production, and continue developing new, creative flavor innovations for its growing fan base.
Novelty Hill Advises Garlic King on Recapitalization
SEATTLE, WA – February 15, 2025:
Novelty Hill Capital, a leading middle-market investment bank based in Seattle, Washington, is pleased to announce the successful recapitalization of California Garlic Company, doing business as Garlic King, a premier processor and distributor of industrial garlic and specialty ingredients.
Novelty Hill Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor to California Garlic Company on the transaction.
Founded in 1999 and based in Temecula, California, Garlic King has established itself as a trusted global importer and processor of industrial ingredients, specializing in garlic, ginger, shallots, onions, and peppers. The company serves food manufacturers and foodservice customers nationwide, offering IQF, all-natural, non-GMO, and organic products. Garlic King maintains the highest quality and food safety standards, holding BRC, HACCP, and GFSI certifications, along with an onsite innovation center and nationwide warehousing program.
Novelty Hill Capital Advises Firehook Bakery in Sale to Forward Consumer Partners
SEATTLE, WA – April 22, 2024: Novelty Hill Capital, a leading middle-market investment bank based in Seattle, Washington, is pleased to announce the recent sale of Firehook Bakery, a rapidly growing baking business specializing in artisanal baked goods, to Forward Consumer Partners, a private equity firm that invests in branded consumer businesses.
Novelty Hill Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor to Firehook on the landmark deal, which will continue Firehook’s more than 30-year tradition of uncompromising quality, while preserving the company’s vision to marry its family heritage and craftsmanship with strategic innovation and continued expansion.
Established in 1992 by founder Pierre Abushacra, Firehook began as a neighborhood bakery in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and has risen to become the U.S.’s premier artisanal cracker brand. Under Abushacra’s leadership, Firehook has experienced explosive growth while maintaining its commitment to quality and reputation for producing organic, non-GMO, Kosher, and SQF-certified snacks handcrafted in small batches.
As part of the acquisition, Abushacra will retain a significant minority ownership stake and continue to serve on the Board of Directors for Firehook. He and Forward also welcome Maura Mottolese as Firehook’s new chief executive officer. Mottolese’s distinguished career in the food and beverage industry includes serving as CEO of both Cholula and Tate’s Bake Shop with tremendous success.
Abushacra reflected on the sale, saying: “Working with Novelty Hill Capital was critical in positioning Firehook for its next phase of growth. Novelty Hill’s patience, integrity and transparency throughout the process were key in solidifying Forward as the ideal partner to propel the brand into the future. From the beginning of our engagement, Michael Barber and his team have been respectful stewards of our vision and savvy strategic advisors helping us to realize an exceptional outcome.”
Michael Barber, CEO and managing director of Novelty Hill Capital, commented on the acquisition, saying: “This deal demonstrates our commitment to prioritizing our client’s vision, while leveraging our extensive M&A expertise to achieve their strategic goals. It represents more than just a transaction. It’s a significant advancement for both Firehook and the artisanal food industry, and exemplifies our ability to deliver the most favorable results for our clients.”
The sale to Forward represents a new chapter for Firehook under Mottolese’s leadership.
Mottolese commented on the deal, sharing: “It is a true privilege to join a business with such a rare combination of existing success and future opportunity. I look forward to building on the strong foundation that Pierre and team have created as we strengthen the Firehook brand, expand the company’s capabilities, and grow its loyal base of consumers.”
Forward Consumer Partners was founded in 2023 by Matt Leeds, following his tenure as a partner at L Catterton where he invested in brands including Cholula, Kodiak Cakes, Everlane, Inspired Pet Nutrition, and others. Firehook’s acquisition marks the first transaction of Forward’s debut fund, which manages a total of $425 million in capital.
“We could not be more excited to partner with Pierre and the talented individuals who comprise the Firehook team,” Leeds said. “We are grateful to have pursued this unique opportunity on a fully proprietary basis, and are honored to be entrusted with the next chapter in Firehook’s evolution.”
Novelty Hill Advises Fassio Egg Farms in Sale to Cal-Maine Foods
SEATTLE, WA – October 4, 2024: Novelty Hill Capital, a leading middle-market consumer, food and agribusiness investment bank based in Seattle, Washington, is pleased to announce that Utah-based Fassio Egg Farms Inc., a prominent cage-free egg producer, has been acquired by Cal-Maine Foods Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM). For over a century, Fassio Egg Farms has been a staple of conventional and cage-free egg production, contributing to Western US regional economies and setting standards for ethical farming practices.
The transaction, exclusively advised by Novelty Hill Capital, signals an important step for the egg industry as it adapts to the changing landscape of agricultural food production and consumer expectations.
"The integration of Fassio's assets significantly bolsters our capabilities, particularly in cage-free egg production,” Sherman Miller, CEO of Cal-Maine Foods, said. “We're thrilled to build upon our footprint in Utah and the broader Western market, honoring Fassio's reputation for quality since 1915 and reinforcing our commitment to customers and shareholders."
The deal includes the acquisition of Fassio’s assets, which comprise commercial shell egg production and processing facilities in Erda, Utah, outside Salt Lake City.
Vinnie Fassio, owner of Fassio Egg Farms, reflected on the family-owned company’s journey and the significance of the acquisition: "Working with Novelty Hill Capital preserved the legacy of Fassio Egg Farms, while paving the way for an exceptional outcome for our family. Their strategic insight and dedication to our vision throughout the process was an invaluable resource in completing this transaction."
Fassio added, "Joining forces with Cal-Maine Foods opens exciting new opportunities for the farming and production operations, employees, and communities we serve while maintaining the integrity and excellence that Fassio Egg Farms has built over the past century. The combined resources of Fassio and Cal-Maine will assist in navigating the changing industry landscape and opportunities that lie ahead."
Michael Barber, CEO and Managing Director of Novelty Hill Capital, expressed his enthusiasm for the successful acquisition, stating, "This transaction is a testament to Novelty Hill Capital's dedication to serving our client’s best interests and bringing the breadth and depth of our M&A experience to bear, ensuring their strategic objectives are met with the highest standards of excellence. This is more than a deal. This a strategic step forward for Fassio Egg Farms and a clear indication of our capability to navigate complex negotiations to secure the best possible outcome for our clients."
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Novelty Hill Capital Advises Harbor Wholesale on Pivotal West Coast Acquisition
November 22, 2022 - Novelty Hill Capital, a leading middle market consumer investment bank based in Seattle Washington, is pleased to announce that its client, Harbor Wholesale, a subsidiary of Harbor Foods, the Northwest's top family-owned, independent distributor, has completed its acquisition of MTC Distributing Co., a wholesale distribution company.
The partnership with MTC Distributing Co. will expand Harbor’s presence in Northern California as it continues to provide the highest level of customer service to its clients. The combined 200 years of market leadership forms the premier customer-focused and family-owned distribution company on the West Coast.
"This is an incredible opportunity to bring our family companies together into the 4th generation and beyond, maintaining and enhancing the culture that's made MTC and Harbor successful for a century. MTC celebrated 100 years in 2021, and Harbor will join them in 2023. We look forward to entering our next 100 years with an incredible team of industry professionals who share common values and a similar obsession with our customers' success." said Harbor Foods CEO and 4th Generation Owner Justin Erickson.
Tom Eakin, CEO & 3rd generation owner of MTC Distributing said "with the industry constantly evolving; we are taking the opportunity to bring two like-minded, independent companies together. I trust Harbor to carry on the MTC legacy and provide the solutions our retail and foodservice customers need today and into the future. Harbor's extensive experience in foodservice, branded programs, fresh foods, and innovative marketing and technology will allow our incredible team to bring even greater value to our customers."
The combined companies will operate 4 distribution centers across the West Coast, servicing customers from central California to the Canadian Border. The combined companies will leverage more than $1 Billion of collective purchasing power to provide top level results for its customers.
About Harbor Foods
Founded in 1923, Harbor Foods is dedicated to supporting the local entrepreneurs that provide jobs in their communities, bring convenience to busy lives, and invite us all to experience life around the table. Recently, Harbor is proud to have received one of the coveted 2022 Washington's Best Workplaces Awards, as well as one of Washington's Fastest-growing Private Companies. As the largest independent 4th generation family-owned distributor in the West, Harbor now employs over 800 team members and services over 6,000 convenience stores, independent grocers, and quick-serve restaurants with a wide selection of local and national branded products. Harbor Wholesale operates 4 distributions centers in Lacey, WA, Portland, OR, Roseburg, OR, and the newly added Modesto, CA, distribution center. For additional information, please visit us at harborfoodservice.com or harborfoods.com.
About NW Foodservice Inc.
MTC Distributing Co. was founded in 1921 by the Herbert Eakin in Modesto California. The company was initially named the Modesto Tobacco Company however, it quickly expanded its collection of product offerings over the years. In 1986 the business was purchased by Tom Eakin and renamed MTC Distributing to better reflect the evolution of the company’s product categories. After 100 years, the MTC team is looking forward to its next chapter with Harbor Wholesale, remaining open to innovation and putting customer satisfaction first, as it has throughout its storied history.
About Novelty Hill Capital LLC
Novelty Hill Capital is a leading middle market investment bank and financial advisory firm with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, raising capital and evaluating strategic alternatives. Our team possesses decades of combined experience leading successful M&A and investment processes for prominent privately held companies and industry pioneers throughout the entire consumer and technology value chains.
Novelty Hill Capital Advises Harbor Foodservice in Acquisition of NW Foodservice
October 21, 2022 - Novelty Hill Capital, a leading middle market consumer investment bank based in Seattle Washington, is pleased to announce that its client, Harbor Foodservice, a subsidiary of Harbor Foods, the Northwest's top family-owned, independent distributor, has completed its acquisition of NW Foodservice, a broadline foodservice distribution company.
The partnership with NW Foodservice will expand Harbor’s presence in Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon as it continues to provide the highest level of customer service to its clients.
"Joining forces with the NW Foodservice team represents the perfect addition of like-minded team members driven to provide the highest level of products and service to their customers. Their proven track record in being a local solution to restaurants and convenience stores bolsters Harbor's efforts to provide a trusted independent local option to the communities we serve", said Harbor Foodservice President Kevin Pribilsky.
Michael Donaldson, President of NW Foodservice, said, "Joining the Harbor Foodservice team allows us to still be family-owned to still be local, and to still provide the inspired customer service experience that our customers have known and loved for the last 68 years".
The combined companies will serve more that 4,900 customers across the Pacific Northwest and have more than $1.5 Billion of collective purchasing power.
About Harbor Foods
Founded in 1923, Harbor Foods is dedicated to supporting the local entrepreneurs that provide jobs in their communities, bring convenience to busy lives, and invite us all to experience life around the table. Every day. Recently, Harbor is proud to have received one of the coveted 2022 Washington's Best Workplaces Awards, as well as one of Washington's Fastest-growing Private Companies. As the largest independent 4th generation family-owned distributor in the west, Harbor now serves over 8,000 restaurants, convenience stores, independent grocers, and quick-serve restaurants with a wide selection of local and national branded products. For additional information, please visit us at harborfoodservice.com or harborfoods.com.
About NW Foodservice Inc.
NW Foodservice started as a small meat market in 1954, owned by the Reichert family. After four generations in the meat business, Roy Reichert's son John grew the company in a new direction, moving Reichert's Meats to Longview/Kelso from Chehalis, WA, creating NW Deli Distribution. The company grew into a broadline distributor supplying various products to a broad range of customers, from restaurants, pubs, and schools to convenience stores, daycares, and delis.
About Novelty Hill Capital LLC
Novelty Hill Capital is a leading middle market investment bank and financial advisory firm with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, raising capital and evaluating strategic alternatives. Our team possesses decades of combined experience leading successful M&A and investment processes for prominent privately held companies and industry pioneers throughout the entire consumer and technology value chains.