Operations
Carma HoldCo invests in plant-based QSR Mr. Charlie's Told Me So
October 25, 2024
Carma HoldCo, the parent company behind brands like TYSON 2.0 by Mike Tyson, has made a strategic investment in Mr. Charlie's Told Me So, a plant-based QSR chain, according to a press release.
The move comes as the plant-based food market experiences significant growth, projected to reach over $77.8 billion by 2025, according to MarketsandMarkets. Mr. Charlie's TMS capitalizes on this trend, offering plant-based alternatives and a commitment to social responsibility.
"Mr. Charlie's is a natural choice for Carma Holdco, as we diversify into the food industry. I very much believe in the healthy benefits of a vegan diet and was a strict vegan for many years," Mike Tyson, co-founder of TYSON 2.0, said in the press release. "I'm proud to align myself with partners bringing healthy alternatives that taste good to the fast food space. Mr. Charlie's mission to help and hire those from the homeless community is something that I am truly passionate about, and I look forward to helping many people and communities with the expansion of Mr. Charlie's across the globe."
The QSR industry is also undergoing disruption, with consumers seeking healthier options. Mr. Charlie's TMS, with locations in Los Angeles, San Francisc, and Sydney, plans to expand rapidly through franchising.
"This isn't just an investment in a plant-based food concept — it's a smart business decision," Adam Wilks, CEO of Carma HoldCo, said in the press release. The QSR space is ripe for innovation, and Mr. Charlie's combination of bold brand identity, crave-worthy menu, and scalable business model makes it a compelling opportunity for franchisees. We're excited to help bring this innovative brand to more markets."
Mr. Charlie's TMS co-founders, Taylor McKinnon and Aaron Haxton, see synergy with Carma HoldCo.
"Carma's experience in building disruptive brands like TYSON 2.0 is exactly what we need to take Mr. Charlie's to the next level," McKinnon said in the press release. "Both Carma and Mr. Charlie's are about creating meaningful change — whether it's providing second chances to our employees or delivering plant-based food in a fun and novel way. Together, we're setting the stage for a new kind of fast food — one that's healthier for people, better for the planet, and deeply connected to our communities."
Mr. Charlie's TMS plans to offer franchise opportunities in the U.S. and internationally.
