HC Private Investments (HCPI), a Chicago-based private investment firm, announced a strategic partnership with Epicurean Butter Co., Federal Heights, Colo. As part of the partnership, the co-founders John and Janey Hubschman will remain in senior leadership roles and maintain a significant minority ownership stake in the company. Additionally, HCPI will provide capital to support the company’s sales growth and ability to execute on strategic investments in manufacturing capabilities and personnel.

Epicurean Butter provides sweet and savory finishing butters to consumers, personal chefs and foodservice professionals as well as branded and private label products through grocery retail and foodservice channels.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Janey and John to support Epicurean Butter’s tremendous growth and to broaden its appeal among both new and existing customers,” says John Kelly and Matthew Moran, managing partners of HCPI. “As a category, finishing butter remains in its infancy, and we are seeking to capitalize on broader market adoption and expand the company’s market share as consumer demand for premium, high-quality, clean label products continues to increase.”

As part of the transaction, Tony Engel will join as chief financial officer, and Tom Maddi will join the company’s board of directors.

“We are excited to welcome HCPI as both a capital and strategic partner to support our customer base and growth initiatives,” adds Janey Hubschman. “We look forward to leveraging the operating expertise of HCPI, as we seek to build upon our significant success to date for the opportunities ahead, while maintaining our core values of quality and service.”