Goldbelly Announces Investment From Danny Meyer's Enlightened Hospitality Investments

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldbelly, the popular online food marketplace that connects the most iconic regional and local food providers to consumers around the country, today announced that it has raised $20 million in Series B funding led by Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI), the fund formed by legendary restaurateur Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. Existing investors Intel Capital, 500 Startups and 645 Ventures have also reinvested, demonstrating confidence in the company's business model and connection with its customers.

Goldbelly will leverage the new funding to meet increased demand and expand its technology and operations teams in its newly opened New York City headquarters. As a part of the transaction, Meyer, founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and a partner in Enlighted Hospitality Investments, will join the Company's advisory board.

Led by founder & CEO Joe Ariel, Goldbelly's team of "food explorers" finds America's most unique, legendary and authentic food experiences and makes them available for national delivery, straight from the source. Their proprietary technology manages e-commerce operations and logistics for 350 of the country's most popular food makers.

"We are thrilled to partner with Danny and the team at Enlightened Hospitality Investments and to join their great portfolio of brands who are unified by shared values of hospitality and a commitment to providing a stronger emotional connection to food," said Ariel. "At Goldbelly, we believe that the country's greatest foods are made by passionate regional food makers and artisans. We've created a platform to empower these iconic local brands to connect with food lovers across the country, and look forward to enabling more people to enjoy these magical food experiences around the country."

"Enlightened Hospitality Investments is passionate about finding category disruptors, particularly when their business and culture leverage technology to provide exceptional hospitality," said Meyer. "Goldbelly does just that, conveniently fulfilling nostalgic cravings for hometown favorites. Joe Ariel and his team have created something very special, as evidenced by Goldbelly's devoted following and inspiring culture. We look forward to working together to share the gift of Goldbelly with as many food lovers as possible."

Goldbelly's roster of iconic selections includes one-of-a-kind products from regionally renowned purveyors like:

• New York City's Milk Bar & Russ & Daughters
• Chicago's Gino's East & Lou Malnati's Pizza
• Philadelphia's Pat's King Of Steaks & Tony Luke's
• Nashville's Prince's Hot Chicken & Loveless Cafe
• Pittsburgh's Primanti Brothers & Prantl's Bakery
• Texas's Salt Lick & Louie Mueller BBQ

For more information about Goldbelly, please visit www.goldbelly.com.

About Goldbelly
Goldbelly finds America's most unique, creative, and legendary foods from across the country and ships them to your door, anywhere nationwide. Founder & CEO Joe Ariel and his team of "Food Explorers" seek out all kinds of cuisines from sweet to savory, classic to novel, and everything in between to build a selection of the nation's best handmade, small-batch foods. By helping artisan merchants build an e-commerce operation, Goldbelly offers a platform for small businesses to reach new customers and grow their revenue and reach customers outside of their local area.

About Enlightened Hospitality Investments
Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI) is a value-added strategic investor formed to leverage the brands, businesses and team of Union Square Hospitality Group to identify growth potential and investment opportunities in both internal and outside ventures. EHI partners with portfolio companies to provide strategic direction, operational experience, increased visibility and access to relationships, resulting in significant value creation for all stakeholders.

SOURCE Goldbelly