ANAND GALA
FOUNDER/MANAGING PARTNER, GALA CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC
WHY: Heads Costa Mesa-based private equity firm that focuses on restaurant chains and software companies since 2015; includes Famous Dave’s BBQ and Ecotrak LLC. Also chairman of CiCi’s Pizza, Dunn Brothers Coffee, Mooyah Burgers and Rusty Taco.
IN THE NEWS: Participated in funding round of $30M in April for Ecotrak, whose enterprise software allows businesses to automate repairs and maintenance work orders, pushing its total funding past $50M along with first-time investors Respida Capital and Carver Road Capital. Backer since 2020.
NOTABLE: Longtime operator and investor in franchised restaurants. His mother, Rajul Gala, was one of the earliest franchisees of Jack in the Box restaurants in 1982. Became a franchisee on his own at age 25.
