A leader in the Restaurant Finance and Transaction industry for 35 years, Carty Davis has initiated and managed hundreds of innovative transactions involving thousands of restaurant locations. Ranging from large refranchising programs to small equity raises for emerging concepts, Mr. Davis has initiated new trends in industry financing and capitalization, with a focus on maximizing value for his clients. A graduate of Auburn University, Mr. Davis began his financial career in New Orleans while attending Tulane’s Freeman Business School.
Before forming C Squared in 2016, Mr. Davis had extensive experience as a lender, specializing in creative programs and products for the multi-unit restaurant industry. Carty became an early leader in the restaurant securitized debt market in the early 1990’s, co-managing FMAC’s market-leading origination team, which led to FMAC’s successful IPO in late 1997. At FMAC, he initiated and managed the industry’s first combination of royalty and store financing securing a Charlotte restaurant investor group’s purchase of Bojangles’ in 1998. In 1998, Carty co-founded and managed Peachtree Franchise Finance, originating over $150 million in financing in the first 6 months of operations despite difficult market conditions affecting the securitized debt industry.
In 2000, Mr. Davis joined The Cypress Group, a fledgling boutique investment bank focused on the Burger King system. As a co-partner for 16 years, he led Cypress’ ascent to the leading position in restaurant and franchise M&A and financing, spearheading the company’s diversification into Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Hardee’s, Bojangles’ and numerous other franchise systems., While at Cypress, he initiated a 60 franchise, 600-unit restructuring project for Arby’s, positioning Cypress as a leader in franchisor programs which led to subsequent Engagements with Wendy’s (twice) and TGI Fridays as franchisors shifted toward an asset light model. These projects involved the sale of over 1200 company owned restaurants between 2013-2016. During his tenure at Cypress, he managed the sale of independent casual dining, quick service restaurant and fast casual brands, culminating in over $1.7 billion in financings and M&A transactions.
Carty success has continued after forming C Squared in 2016. The company has continued its success in managing M & A and financing projects throughout the restaurant and multi unit industries. Carty is well-known as a passionate advocate for clients and frequently represents clients for multiple transactions over years. Mr. Davis and C Squared continue to push franchise industries norms encouraging clients to look beyond “the numbers and inconsistent multiples”. This focus continues with each Engagement.
Carty has been a resident of Pinehurst, NC since 2004. Carty has a passion for travel, playing the world’s great golf courses, spending time with family in the low country near Beaufort, SC and cheering for the Auburn Tigers. An avid traveler, Carty has traveled to 55 countries and 49 states, noting Namibia and Croatia as his favorite countries, Cape Town as his top city, and Machu Picchu as his favorite place. Intensely competitive, Mr. Davis brings passion, focus and drive to any C Squared engagement.
