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Ascend empowers entrepreneurial CPAs to reach their goals with an innovative growth model that brings their firms into the new age. Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a modern platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a large CPA firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition, best-of-breed technology, a catalytic leadership system, shared back-office services, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount todays industry challenges and reach their full potential. Founded in January 2023, the company attained revenues sufficient to qualify it as a Top 100 U.S. accounting firm within six months of operation.
Fogo de Chão is a Brazilian chain of churrascarias, or steakhouses, founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The restaurant specializes in the traditional gaucho method of churrasco, which involves fire-roasting high-quality meats over an open flame. The founders, who grew up in Brazils Serra Gaúcha region, opened their first restaurant to share this culinary heritage. The company expanded to the U.S. in 1997 and has since grown to approximately 76 locations worldwide, including 59 in the U.S. The dining experience at Fogo de Chão features continuous service, where Gaucho chefs carve skewers of freshly grilled meats at the table. The all-you-can-eat menu includes up to 16 types of meats, along with a market table of salads and traditional Brazilian sides. The restaurant promotes a casual dining atmosphere, welcoming guests to enjoy a cultural Brazilian experience without a formal dress code. Fogo de Chão is committed to sourcing and preparing ingredients with respect for food, reflecting its rich culinary traditions.
Hal Smith Restaurants is a restaurant management company based in Norman, Oklahoma, founded in 1992 by Hal Smith. The company operates over 80 locations across seven states, featuring a diverse range of dining options from casual to upscale. Annual sales approach $250 million, and the company emphasizes strong customer service and employee training. The company develops, manages, and franchises various restaurant concepts. Its portfolio includes full-service dining options like Charleston’s Restaurant, Red Rock Canyon Grill, and Mahogany Prime Steakhouse. It also features casual and themed concepts such as Ted’s Café Escondido, Louie’s Bar & Grill, The Garage, and Pub W. Hal Smith Restaurants has a history of franchising, having previously managed Outback Steakhouse and On The Border Mexican Cafe franchises. With a focus on community-centric locations, Hal Smith Restaurants continues to expand, including new openings like Neighborhood JA.M. in Oklahoma City planned for Spring 2025. The company is dedicated to culinary excellence and creating memorable dining experiences for a wide range of customers.