Company Directory - Roark Capital
Company Details - Roark Capital
Roark Capital
WebsiteRoark Capital is a private equity firm specializing in acquiring various franchise and restaurant brands, focusing on building and supporting brands in the food, retail, and service sectors. The firm employs a strategic approach to investing, working closely with its portfolio companies to drive growth and operational excellence.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Roark Capital
-45.27
0.03%
Latest Event
Roark Capital 2024 Political Contributions and Lobbying Activity
OpenSecrets data indicates that in the 2024 cycle, Roark Capital contributed over $3.1 million and spent $480,000 on lobbying. This level of political spending raises concerns about corporate influence in policy making and the potential to undermine democratic accountability.
Take Action
So what can you do? It's time to make tough choices. Where will you cast your vote?
- Shop Alternatives
SEE ALL - Use Your Voice
OTHER TOOLS - Investigate
- Share the Score
SUPPORT CCI
QUISLING
Roark Capital is currently rated as a Quisling.
Latest Events
- JAN012024
OpenSecrets data indicates that in the 2024 cycle, Roark Capital contributed over $3.1 million and spent $480,000 on lobbying. This level of political spending raises concerns about corporate influence in policy making and the potential to undermine democratic accountability.
-30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 1
Roark Capital's sizable political contributions and lobbying expenditures, as reported by OpenSecrets, reflect an aggressive engagement in political influence. From an anti-authoritarian perspective, such significant spending can amplify corporate power in the political arena, potentially marginalizing community voices and undermining democratic processes.
- DEC312023
An analysis of federal enforcement data reveals that Roark Capital's portfolio companies were cited for over 2,000 child labor violations and incurred more than $1.7 million in civil penalties between 2017 and 2023, underscoring serious labor rights abuses.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 1
Roark Capital, as the parent firm to multiple fast-food and franchise brands, is implicated in serious labor rights violations. The data indicates that its portfolio companies collectively committed over 2,000 child labor violations and faced over $1.7 million in penalties, demonstrating a systemic failure to protect vulnerable minor workers. This conduct aligns with exploitative labor practices and contributes to corporate complicity in undermining workers' rights.
The Companies Behind the Surge in Illegal Child Labor – Good Jobs First
- AUG292023
Roark Capital announced its potential $9.55 billion deal to acquire Subway, the world's second-largest restaurant chain, as part of a strategic plan to restructure and revitalize the brand amid longstanding operational and reputational challenges.
-15
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 1
The acquisition strategy, which includes consolidating and reducing the number of outlets along with optimizing supply chain operations, risks exacerbating exploitative labor practices and neglecting franchisee rights. This approach reflects a profit-driven model common in private equity that may undermine ethical business practices.
Analyzing Roark Capital’s Risky Venture to Resurrect Fast Food Icon Subway [Op-ed]
-30
Economic and Structural Influence
April 1
The deal signifies a consolidation of market power by a private equity firm, heightening concerns over economic centralization and structural inequalities. This centralization could further empower oligarchic interests and undermine broader democratic accountability in the food service industry.
Analyzing Roark Capital’s Risky Venture to Resurrect Fast Food Icon Subway [Op-ed]
- JAN312022
An article reports that under Roark Capital's ownership, Cheesecake Factory workers endured excessive hours, low wages, and unsafe conditions, while the firm boasted about killing the Raise the Wage Act, thereby undermining labor protections.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 1
The article details that Cheesecake Factory workers were forced into 12-hour shifts, six-day work weeks at minimal pay and without adequate COVID safety measures, indicating a severe disregard for labor rights under Roark Capital’s management.
Cheesecake Factory Workers EXPOSE Dangers Created by Roark Capital
-60
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 1
Roark Capital’s boasting about its role in killing the Raise the Wage Act highlights its use of political influence to undermine workers' rights and fair wage legislation.
Cheesecake Factory Workers EXPOSE Dangers Created by Roark Capital
- OCT092021
NBC News reported on labor issues at companies owned by Roark Capital, including wage theft cases and poor working conditions affecting franchise workers, as well as active lobbying against the Raise the Wage Act.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 1
The investigation detailed numerous instances of wage theft and labor exploitation, including back wage violations affecting thousands of workers at franchise outlets. Such practices undermine workers' rights and contribute to systemic economic injustice.
-60
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 1
The report also noted efforts by Inspire Brands, a Roark Capital portfolio company, to oppose a national minimum wage increase, reflecting corporate lobbying that undermines progressive labor reforms and broader economic justice.
- JUN172021
The article details a long history of wage theft and impoverished wages at Dunkin’ Brands, a company within Roark Capital's portfolio. It highlights over 450 Department of Labor investigations and multiple legal cases against the brand for failing to pay minimum wage and overtime, raising serious concerns about labor practices and the treatment of workers.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 1
The article exposes systemic wage theft and exploitative labor practices at Dunkin’ Brands. With numerous investigations confirming underpayment and manipulation of employee work records, this event reflects a clear disregard for workers' rights and ethical labor standards, aligning with practices seen in authoritarian corporate models.
Roark Capital-owned Dunkin’ Runs on Poverty Wages and Wage Theft
- DEC312020
On December 31, 2020, Neal Aronson, founder and managing partner of Roark Capital, donated $5,600 to Senator David Perdue. Perdue, noted for promoting baseless election fraud claims and attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, has become emblematic of anti-democratic and authoritarian practices. The donation signals the firm’s tacit support for such actions, especially as other private equity firms have taken a stand against the ideology.
-80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 1
Neal Aronson’s financial contribution to Senator David Perdue, a political figure who propagated false claims about election fraud and supported efforts to overturn democratic processes, constitutes corporate involvement in anti-democratic practices. This donation underlines support for an agenda that undermines electoral integrity.
-70
Executive Political Engagement
April 1
The donation made by a top executive, Neal Aronson, evidences direct executive political engagement that aligns the firm with a political agenda undermining democratic norms. This action supports an authoritarian approach by funding efforts to delegitimize electoral outcomes.
Alternatives
Fort Worth, United States
-44.07
Corporation
-22.36
Corporation
-47.26
St. Petersburg, USA
-0.71
New York, United States
-20.42
Westport, United States
-25.56
Corporation
32.94
Corporation
0.00
Corporation
-28.50
Corporation
-53.98
Industries
- 523910
- Miscellaneous Intermediation
- 523110
- Investment Banking and Securities Dealing
- 523920
- Portfolio Management