Supercharging Brands
Kelaker is an independent advisory firm, with the sole purpose of scaling outstanding Restaurant and Hospitality brands.
Kelaker is much more than a traditional advisory firm. We work hands-on, and in partnership, with entrepreneurs and brands to scale their businesses and realise their ambitions. We bring genuine breadth and depth of skills to our partners: from property to investment and marketing to operational strategy.
Kelaker is founded on unique and direct recent experiences - we have 'walked the walk'. We understand the pitfalls and inherent challenges along the journey - whilst achieving growth, global brand recognition and profitability.
KELAKER ADVISORS
We use our first-hand experience to research your business and scale it
Growing businesses often need advice across a range of key areas. However, professional 'advisors' can typically specialise in just a narrow band of skillset: financial, brand, supply-chain, property etc
Our own direct experience, coupled with an outstanding network of specialists, means Kelaker is very different.
We bring real breadth and depth to the support we provide to your team.
KELAKER INVESTORS
we bring investment to brands
We are not brokers or consultants. We believe in being truly invested in the businesses we support. We look to work 'with' our partners - not simply 'for' them.
At the right point in the relationship, our preferred model is to agree an equity stake that underlines our belief and long term commitment to the brands we are working with.
From raising capital to negotiating property deals - we want it to matter - to everyone.
KELAKER PARTNERS
We have a diverse and well respected network of contacts
We have to earn the right to be seen as 'partners' - but the principles of partnership sit at the heart of how we approach everything we do.
We know that being 'invested' is important but is only part of what will make a highly successful working relationship. We seek to understand the culture and ambitions of our clients and adapt to fit seamlessly.
Partnership is about working together and getting 'stuck' in when it matters.
Welcome to Sauce Kelaker - The one-stop shop for restaurant and hospitality brands looking to scale with confidence and at pace.
Sauce Communications has over 20 years experience launching and curating restaurant and hospitality brands
Sauce is the Creative Lifestyle Communications Agency that introduced Gordon Ramsay to the world. Their experience has included Rick Stein, Wahaca, D&D London, Chilango, Tortilla, The Social Company, Byron, Neat Burger, Shake Shack, Tommi’s, Busaba, Le Comptoir, Leon, Rudy's, Bone Daddies, Flesh & Buns, Cabana, Dirty Bones, Señor Ceviche, Thunderbird, Island Poké and many others.
The Kelaker brands can now tap into the Sauce ecosystem and the PR, Marketing, Social Media and Digital expertise.
Together we will advise, invest and partner with the restaurant and hospitality super-brands of tomorrow.
THE TEAM
Simon Kelsey
In the mid 1990’s and 2000’s Simon was in the financial markets of the City of London. Whilst at one of the largest City institutions ICAP, he was responsible for managing broking operations and developing new products.
In 2017 Simon was appointed Head of International Development at Leon to instigate and oversee the international development of the brand. He was instrumental in the formulation of the franchise strategy and the selection of franchise partners, resulting in the company entering the Scandinavian and Irish markets, further developing in Holland and securing key relationships particularly across different channels in the UK, and throughout western Europe and the Middle East.
After Leon’s sale to EG Group in 2021, Simon left the company to found Kelaker in order to help brands expand both domestically and internationally.
His key strengths lie in an understanding of financial markets, funding opportunities, creating partnerships, and attention to detail.
Simon Kelsey
Partner
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Adam Blaker
In the 1990’s and 2000’s, Adam was a principal investor in mixed-use property projects responsible for securing investment, debt, acquisitions, planning consents, design, construction, project management and disposal both in the UK and abroad. In 2014, upon LEON’s 10th birthday, he joined Leon to develop the company’s strategic property path and roll-out programme. In so doing, he developed the design and capex model and successfully spearheaded its growth from 17 to over 70 restaurants.
He was instrumental in the evolution of alternative formats and the company's P&L, whilst being a principal driver behind the selection of franchise partners.
After the global pandemic in 2020 he lead the company’s CVA negotiations and secured it’s successful outcome.
He left the company in October 2021 following its sale for £100m to EG Group. His strengths lie in developing property growth strategies, scaling, and relationships.
Adam Blaker
partner
Rupert Hill
Rupert co-founded Harrier Partners, a London-based corporate finance advisory business, in 2016.
He started his career at Apax Partners in 1995 he has advised many companies, entrepreneurs and management teams and completed numerous transactions in the hospitality and leisure industries over the last 25 years.
Rupert helps Kelaker advise its clients and brands on fundraising, strategy, restructuring and M&A opportunities.
Rupert Hill
Senior Adviser
why use kelaker
- F&B - is our sole focus
- Hands-on, long-term support
- Committed and invested
- Partnership ethos
- Belief in our investments
- Credible and highly connected
- International reach
- Real-time experience
- Breadth and depth of support
