SAN FRANCISCO — Private equity firm Main Post Partners has acquired a minority stake in better-for-you pretzel maker Stellar Snacks.
Main Post described the transaction as a “strategic growth” investment, financial terms of which weren’t disclosed. The company said the move comes as Stellar, with headquarters in Carson City, Nev., has driven “sustained national expansion” via retail distribution with Costco, Target, Sprouts, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Whole Foods Market and other grocery and specialty retailers nationwide.
Plans call for Main Post’s investment to support expanded distribution, enhanced brand marketing and continued investments in innovation and operations to meet rising demand at Stellar.
Founded in 2019 by mother/daughter entrepreneurs Elisabeth and Gina Galvin, Stellar Snacks has built a strong consumer following with its artisan-quality pretzels made from clean ingredients and featuring bold flavors and artistic, colorful packaging, according to Main Post.
“We’re thrilled to embark on this next chapter for the Stellar Snacks family,” said Elisabeth Galvin, co-founder and chief executive officer of Stellar. “Main Post brings deep experience partnering with founder-led CPG brands, and this partnership means the world to us. The investment will allow us to scale with purpose while staying true to the values that have defined Stellar from the very beginning: quality, creativity and greatness.”
Main Post noted that Stellar has “successfully tapped into growing consumer demand for better-for-you snack options” while driving brand recognition through partnerships with Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
“Stellar has built an exceptional brand rooted in product quality, authenticity and strong consumer loyalty,” said Jeff Mills, managing partner at Main Post Partners. “We’re impressed by the team’s vision and execution to date and are excited to partner with them to unlock the brand’s next phase of growth.”
Besides growing distribution to thousands of retail locations across the country, Stellar has bolstered its manufacturing capabilities. In late 2024, the snack company opened an expanded pretzel baking plant in West Louisville, Ky. The $137 million project was first announced in October 2023.
Stellar’s pretzel braids are non-GMO, kosher, vegan and produced through sustainable manufacturing practices using wheat and barley flour, vegan butter, sea salt and whole ingredients. Flavors include Bold & Herby, Maui Monk, Sweet & Sparky, French Dijon, Cinnamon Dolce and Simply Stellar and come in a range of package sizes. The products are sold nationally at club, grocery, mass and natural stores.
“Stellar has always been about more than pretzels — it’s about building a brand people feel connected to,” said Gina Galvin, co-founder and chief creative officer. “This partnership (with Main Post) feels deeply aligned with our vision, and we’re energized by the opportunity to grow the brand while continuing to build something meaningful for our team, our customers and our community.”
Main Post said it focuses on investing in founder-owned, high-growth consumer companies. Along with Stellar, the firm’s current food-related investments include Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Smoothie King, Viva Chicken and restaurant franchisor Flynn Group.
“Stellar has cultivated a distinctive, flavor-forward brand with clear consumer pull and strong retail momentum,” said Ben Yang, vice president at Main Post. “We’re excited to partner with Elisabeth and Gina at this inflection point to help scale distribution, expand capacity and accelerate innovation.”
