Freeman Spogli takes majority stake in Philz Coffee
Context
Freeman Spogli agreed to acquire a majority stake in Philz Coffee. This partnership makes sense because Freeman Spogli has deep experience in restaurants like El Pollo Loco, Popeyes, and First Watch, which helps Philz open new stores while keeping its unique handcrafted coffee focus. Philz picks Freeman for their track record in consumer growth and collaborative style, especially as the company plans more cafes over the next two years without closing any locations. Customers and staff benefit from job security, same pay and benefits, promotion paths, and even thank-you bonuses. The deal supports Philz's mission by funding expansion in the specialty coffee market, where demand for personalized brews remains strong. It builds on a decade of private equity support, positioning the brand for U.S. growth and potential wholesale/digital gains.
By taking control of Philz Coffee, Freeman Spogli continues its expansion strategy. Previously, the group had completed 2 acquisitions, including Evervet Partners in 2022.
Philz Coffee, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2025, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of [members only].
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Target
Philz Coffee is a coffee chain founded in 2003 in San Francisco, California, by Phil Jaber and his son Jacob. The company started as a small corner store in the Mission District and has grown to 77 cafes across California and Chicago (2025). It roasts its own beans at a local facility in Oakland and specializes in handcrafted, pour-over coffee made one cup at a time. Each drink is customized using signature blends sourced sustainably from around the world, with no espresso-based lattes or cappuccinos—instead focusing on fresh-filtered coffee, iced options, teas, and light pastries like almond croissants. Popular drinks include the Mint Mojito, a creamy iced coffee, and Philtered Soul, a balanced house blend. The business operates 100% company-owned stores, avoiding franchising to maintain quality control. Revenue comes from cafe sales, packaged coffee, and e-commerce.
Ent. Value
$100–350M
Equity Value
[members only]
Multiples
EV / Revenue
[members only]
EV / EBITDA
[members only]
EV / EBIT
[members only]
Historical Financials (USD)
Other operations with Freeman Spogli
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/2022 | FREEMAN SPOGLI | EVERVET PARTNERS | UNITED STATES | Vet Clinics |
| 09/2017 | FREEMAN SPOGLI | CAFE RIO | UNITED STATES | Restaurants / Chains |
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REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV $100–350M
Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Philz Coffee by Freeman Spogli are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.
Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Target: philz coffee
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