Nautic Partners has acquired Cenavera Nutrition, a leading K-12 foodservice management company, to enhance its portfolio in the outsourced services sector.

Target Overview

Nautic Partners has successfully completed the acquisition of Cenavera Nutrition, LLC, from Harkness Capital Partners. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Cenavera is recognized as the leading independent foodservice management company dedicated exclusively to the K-12 school market. Established in 2004, Cenavera has become one of the largest K-12 foodservice operators in the United States, providing services to public, private, and charter schools across 33 states. The company differentiates itself by offering scratch-cooked, high-quality meals that enhance student participation and engagement.

Cenavera delivers a comprehensive range of services as a fully outsourced solution, which includes menu design, nutritional compliance, procurement, labor management, and onsite meal preparation. These services cater to the diverse needs of various stakeholders, including school boards, superintendents, parents, and students.

Industry Overview

The K-12 foodservice industry in the United States has shown significant growth, driven by increasing outsourcing trends among educational institutions. As more schools seek to improve nutritional standards while managing foodservice operations efficiently, th