Dessert Holdings Acquires Premium Dessert-Maker Steven Charles
We are proud to say that Dessert Holdings®, North America’s foremost premium dessert enterprise, announced that it has acquired Steven Charles — A Dessert Company.
Dessert Holdings® is well-known for its chef-inspired inventive desserts produced with authentic ingredients, a versatile and low-cost supply chain, and exceptional service. Dessert Holdings®, headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, is an umbrella corporation for three luxury dessert firms and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler’s Desserts, and Atlanta Cheesecake Company.
Luscious and delicate sweet bites as well as core authenticity have always been what drives our creativity. That is what this partnership will bring. With the acquisition, Steven Charles will have the opportunity and resources to continue creating innovative dessert products.
“As the leading premium desserts platform in North America, we are investing behind category-defining dessert manufacturers like Steven Charles to help them reach their full potential,” said Paul Lapadat, CEO of Dessert Holdings. “Steven Charles has a heritage of creating and commercializing award-winning desserts and that commitment to excellence in innovation and service has fostered long-standing relationships with a number of the leading foodservice and retail operators in North America. We see an incredible opportunity to supplement these strengths to support Steven Charles’ domestic growth while also investing to expand the business globally.”
Steven Fabos and Charles Kosmont shared a dream of building a unique bakery that would bring gourmet desserts to restaurants and supermarkets. Steve began the journey in 1995, and Charles joined the helm 18 years ago. They partnered over the years to develop that vision into a reality.
“I have loved the creativity and working with the team that brings joy and fun to so many,” said Kosmont. “We want to thank our integral partners who helped make this happen, especially our staff, who helped to build this company to what it is today. We look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of the company and know the future will be even more incredible,” added Fabos.
Steven Charles adds to Dessert Holdings’ portfolio of premium, clean-label dessert companies and brands including The Original Cakerie, Lawler’s, and Atlanta Cheesecake Company. Bain Capital Private Equity acquired Dessert Holdings in June 2021 with a goal to support its growth acceleration through organic expansion and select acquisition opportunities.
“With our investment in Dessert Holdings, we have the privilege of backing Paul and his team as they build the leading premium dessert manufacturing company in North America, and the acquisition of Steven Charles is a perfect fit for that vision,” said Adam Nebesar, a Managing Director at Bain Capital Private Equity. “We look forward to partnering with Rebecca O’Hara (president of Steven Charles – A Dessert Company) and the Steven Charles team to support their growth ambitions.”