AFM Capital Partners Inc. (“AFM Capital”), an operationally focused private investment firm known for its control investments in middle-market companies, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Bull’s Eye Brands, Inc., doing business as Smart Mouth Pizza (“Smart Mouth” or “the Company”). Smart Mouth is a leading provider of restaurant-quality pizza for K-12 schools nationwide, offering a robust branded food service program that emphasizes health-conscious choices and student engagement.
Founded with the vision of providing high-quality, nutritious meals to children, Smart Mouth Pizza has grown into a leader in the educational food service sector. The company focuses on delivering healthy options that help schools improve their return on investment while also feeding more students. Through a combination of premium ingredients and innovative, customizable toppings, Smart Mouth has created a wide array of pizza combinations that cater to diverse student tastes, while also promoting balanced diets and active participation in meal programs.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both AFM Capital and Smart Mouth, as the partnership is expected to accelerate Smart Mouth’s growth and enhance its ability to serve the K-12 education market. The move will enable Smart Mouth to leverage AFM Capital’s operational expertise and resources to expand its offerings, enhance its product quality, and increase its market presence.
Smart Mouth’s Continued Focus on Customer-Centric Growth
Tom Willingham, CEO of Smart Mouth, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating, “AFM Capital is an ideal partner as we embark on the next chapter of our growth journey. Over the years, we have significantly expanded our capabilities and product offerings to better serve the K-12 education market. We are confident that this collaboration will position us to become the leading player in our industry. Our commitment to exceptional customer service, continuous improvement, and employee development has been key to our success so far and will continue to shape our future.”
Willingham emphasized the role that AFM Capital’s deep industry expertise and resources will play in driving Smart Mouth’s ongoing growth. The Pizza CEO highlighted that the company’s mission has always been focused on delivering outstanding products and service to the education sector, and with AFM Capital’s support, Smart Mouth is poised to reach new heights in its mission to enhance the school meal experience.
Seth Salzman, President of Smart Mouth, echoed these sentiments, noting, “We are thrilled to partner with AFM Capital, whose expertise and resources will enable us to accelerate our growth and enhance the value we deliver to our customers. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to innovate and expand our impact within the K-12 education market. Together, we will build on the strong foundation we’ve established and continue to set new standards for excellence in our industry.”
Under Willingham’s leadership, Smart Mouth has built a reputation for its customer-centric approach, which has been integral to the company’s expansion. Smart Mouth’s food service programs emphasize offering fresh, high-quality options for schools, with a focus on healthier eating habits and fostering student participation in lunch programs.
Pizza Lovers Rejoice as AFM Capital Partners Inc. Announces strategic Investment in Bull’s Eye Brands, Inc. Operating as Smart Mouth Pizza 2025
AFM Capital’s Vision for Smart Mouth’s Future
Mark McTigue, President and Founding Partner of AFM Capital, commented on the acquisition, saying, “Smart Mouth boasts a highly skilled and experienced management team, coupled with a strong, customer-focused culture. The company has demonstrated impressive growth over the past several years, and we are thrilled about the tremendous opportunities ahead. Pizza With a solid foundation of client relationships built over the last two decades, Smart Mouth is well-positioned for continued expansion. We see immense potential for the business and are committed to leveraging our expertise to enhance its competitive edge, broaden its product offerings, and drive further growth and market success.”
AFM Capital’s investment in Smart Mouth is expected to catalyze a new phase of growth for the company, as it leverages the firm’s expertise in scaling businesses within the food service and education sectors. AFM Capital’s deep understanding of operational improvements and value creation will help Smart Mouth continue to innovate and stay ahead of the curve in providing quality food service solutions to schools across the country.
Smart Mouth’s expansion strategy will likely include enhancing its product portfolio with more diverse menu options, ensuring that the pizzas offered to schools cater to a variety of dietary preferences and nutritional needs. With the increasing demand for healthier meal choices in schools, Smart Mouth is poised to capitalize on trends toward nutrition-conscious eating, which has become a top priority in the school Pizza food service industry.
A Vision for Growth and Innovation in the Education Sector
The partnership between AFM Capital and Smart Mouth comes at a time when there is significant momentum in the education food service industry. Schools across the U.S. are increasingly focused on providing healthier, more appealing meal options to students, with many districts implementing new policies to ensure that meals meet specific nutritional standards.
Smart Mouth has already gained widespread recognition for its ability to deliver nutritious and customizable meals that meet these standards while also satisfying the tastes of students. By continually expanding its offerings and improving its service, Smart Mouth is setting a new standard for excellence in the industry.
In addition to providing high-quality meals, Smart Mouth also works closely with schools to enhance student engagement and participation in meal programs. The company’s ability to adapt its menu to the unique needs of different school districts has helped build strong, long-lasting relationships with educational institutions. This customer-focused approach is expected to play a crucial role as the company looks to expand its footprint in new regions and deepen its presence in existing markets.
Commitment to the K-12 Education Market
The K-12 education market presents significant opportunities for growth, as more schools look for partners who can offer reliable, nutritious, and cost-effective food service solutions. Smart Mouth’s proven track record of delivering on these needs positions the company as a leader in the space. With AFM Capital’s investment, Smart Mouth is poised to expand its market reach and deliver even more value to schools and students.
As part of the acquisition, AFM Capital will work closely with Smart Mouth’s leadership team to refine its operations, expand its product offerings, and improve its supply chain efficiencies. The partnership is expected to foster innovation, with a focus on creating new and improved pizza varieties that meet the evolving tastes and nutritional needs of students.
The Path Forward
As Smart Mouth continues to grow under AFM Capital’s ownership, the company will remain dedicated to its core values of delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to students and providing exceptional service to schools. The team at Smart Mouth is committed to maintaining its strong relationships with customers, while also exploring new opportunities for innovation and expansion.
With a solid strategic plan and the backing of AFM Capital, Smart Mouth is well-positioned to thrive in the competitive food service industry and continue to make a positive impact on the K-12 education market for years to come. Together, the two organizations are set to redefine the school meal experience and further solidify Smart Mouth’s position as a leader in the sector.
AFM Capital Partners Inc. is an operationally focused private investment firm specializing in control investments in middle-market companies. The firm partners with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements in businesses, particularly in the food service, healthcare, and education sectors. AFM Capital’s hands-on approach and deep industry expertise enable it to create long-term value for both its portfolio companies and their stakeholders.
Smart Mouth Pizza, a division of Bull’s Eye Brands, Inc., is a leading provider of restaurant-quality pizza to schools across the United States. The company is dedicated to offering healthy, delicious, and customizable meal options for K-12 students, helping schools meet nutritional guidelines and enhance student engagement in school meal programs. Smart Mouth’s focus on quality ingredients and creative pizza combinations has made it a trusted partner for school districts nationwide.
