Savory Fund, an innovative private equity firm focused on scaling emerging restaurant brands such as Swig, Mo’ Bettahs, South Block, and Houston TX Hot Chicken, today announced two significant leadership promotions that reflect the continued expansion and operational strength of its growing restaurant platform.
Maryam Chaney has been promoted to Chief of Supply Chain, and Aaron Smith has been named Vice President of Development. These promotions come at a pivotal time for Savory, which now oversees 13 portfolio brands, including its 2025 acquisitions of Hawkers Asian Street Food and Bonrue Bakery.
Maryam Chaney — Chief of Supply Chain
With more than 25 years of experience spanning culinary development and education, supply chain strategy and negotiations, compliance, and editorial leadership, Maryam Chaney has become a central architect of Savory’s operational excellence. Her mantra — “Best Product, Best Process” — guides everything from menu innovation to the standards that ensure consistency and efficiency across the portfolio. Known for her refined eye and relentless follow-through, Chaney sees opportunities through from idea to finish line.
In her elevated role, she will continue overseeing end-to-end supply chain operations, culinary execution and menu engineering, and food safety and compliance for all Savory brands. She manages critical supplier partnerships representing more than $150 million in annual spend — relationships that underpin Savory’s rapid growth and brand integration.
“At its core, my role is about stewarding the full journey of our food, from sourcing to the plate,” Chaney said. “By working closely with supplier partners who share our standards, we’re able to consistently support our restaurants and protect the quality our guests expect. As Savory grows, what matters most to me is preserving what makes each brand special. I’m proud of the teams across our portfolio who bring that care and intention to the food every day.”
Aaron Smith — Vice President of Development
Savory also announced the promotion of Aaron Smith to Vice President of Development, recognizing his pivotal role in bringing Savory’s brands to life nationwide. Previously serving as Director of Construction for eight years, Smith led store development and buildouts across the portfolio.
With over two decades of experience in restaurant construction and project management, he has overseen the development of hundreds of locations across multiple concepts and markets. Prior to Savory, he held senior roles at Four Foods Group, supporting large-scale growth across more than 170 restaurants in 10 states.
“I’m excited to step into this role and continue building our brands across the country,” said Aaron Smith, Vice President of Development. “I take pride in helping our teams open new locations on time and on budget, while staying true to each brand’s identity. Collaboration, discipline, and attention to detail are key. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work come to life for our guests every day.”
Executive Commentary
“Maryam and Aaron have been foundational to Savory’s success,” said Andrew K. Smith, Managing Director of Savory Fund. “Maryam’s precision and creativity have elevated our operational standards, while Aaron’s discipline and leadership have helped bring our brands to life in markets across the country. As we continue expanding, their leadership ensures we’re building with the excellence, speed, and consistency Savory is known for. We couldn’t be more excited to see them step into these roles.”
