Craig Saxton is a seasoned entrepreneur and industry expert with over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage sector. As the Founder and CEO of Yeast Squared, a beer and baking-focused mergers and acquisitions consultancy, he leverages his extensive industry knowledge and strategic acumen to guide clients through complex business transactions. Concurrently, Saxton continues to lead Specialty's Cafe & Bakery, the successful cafe and bakery chain he founded in 1987.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder and CEO of Yeast Squared, Saxton draws on his deep industry expertise to provide comprehensive M&A advisory services to clients in the beer and baking industries. In this role, he oversees all aspects of the firm's operations, including deal sourcing, due diligence, valuation, and negotiation. Under Saxton's leadership, Yeast Squared has established a reputation for delivering innovative solutions that maximize value for its clients.
Saxton's concurrent role as the Founder and CEO of Specialty's Cafe & Bakery has been marked by exceptional growth and profitability. Over the past three decades, he has guided the company's expansion from a single location to a multi-state, award-winning cafe and bakery chain with a focus on high-quality, artisanal products.
Career Progression
Saxton's entrepreneurial journey began in 1987 with the founding of Specialty's Cafe & Bakery. Through his strategic vision, operational expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he has transformed the company into a beloved brand with a strong presence across the western United States. In 2017, Saxton leveraged his deep industry knowledge to establish Yeast Squared, a specialized M&A firm serving the beer and baking sectors.
Academic Background
Saxton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Mergers and acquisitions in the beer and baking industries
- Strategic planning and business development
- Operational optimization and process improvement
- Financial analysis and valuation
- Brand building and customer experience management
Professional Impact
Under Saxton's leadership, Specialty's Cafe & Bakery has earned numerous industry accolades, including the "Best Cafe Chain" award from the National Restaurant Association and the "Fastest Growing Bakery" recognition from Baking Business magazine. Additionally, Saxton has been actively involved in industry associations, serving on the board of directors for the California Restaurant Association and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.
Conclusion
With his extensive entrepreneurial experience, industry expertise, and proven track record of success, Craig Saxton is uniquely positioned to drive growth and value creation for his clients at Yeast Squared and continue to lead Specialty's Cafe & Bakery to new heights. His strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to innovation make him a sought-after leader in the food and beverage sector.
