The media mogul on Wednesday announced that she had made an undisclosed equity investment in True Food Kitchen, a health-driven restaurant chain based in Phoenix. The restaurant, which was named the 2018 top emerging restaurant brand by data firm Fishbowl, offers sustainable, local and organic meals, including vegan and vegetarian options.
True Food Kitchen declined to disclose how much Winfrey invested in the company, but said she would join the brand’s board of directors and act as a consultant. Private equity firm Centerbridge will remain the restaurant’s controlling shareholder.
Winfrey sought out True Food Kitchen’s CEO Christine Barone after dining at the chain with friend and health expert Bob Greene. Winfrey and Barone discussed a possible collaboration and the restaurant’s future over lunch at Winfrey’s house several months ago.
“I love bringing people together over a good meal,” Winfrey said in a statement. “When I first dined at True Food Kitchen, I was so impressed with the team’s passion for healthy eating and, of course, the delicious food, that I knew I wanted to be part of the company’s future.”