Sembler single-family office acquires two food companies

A St. Petersburg–based private equity platform backed by the Sembler single-family office has acquired two Sarasota food businesses. SI Private Capital (SIPC) made an equity investment to acquire Yoder’s Southern Creamery and Sutter’s Quality Foods. Financial terms were not disclosed. As part of the transaction, SIPC is also providing capital to support future growth and capitalization of both companies, and an LLC tied to SIPC purchased the shared property at 6830 Richardson Road on August 15 for $3.65 million.

Deal structure and leadership continuity

Founder Bill Yoder retains an ownership stake in both companies and will continue serving as president of Yoder’s Southern Creamery. Brian Richardson will remain CEO of both Yoder’s Southern Creamery and Sutter’s Quality Foods, ensuring continuity in day-to-day leadership. “What stood out to us most was SI Private Capital’s genuine respect for our roots as a family-owned business… preserving our culture and values is just as important as driving growth,” said Yoder. SIPC Managing Partner Richard Mocsari called the deals emblematic of the firm’s mission to partner with management teams to realize ambitious growth plans.

Company profiles

Yoder’s Southern Creamery, founded in 2019, manufactures and wholesales small-batch, premium, old-fashioned ice cream. With 70+ flavors, its products are served across Florida in restaurants, markets, ice cream shops and institutional settings.

Sutter’s Quality Foods began in 1998 as Yoder’s Eggs Inc. and today wholesales and distributes dairy products, orange juice, eggs, ice cream (including Yoder’s Southern Creamery), cheeses and other items to Florida restaurants, markets, institutions and ice cream shops.

The Sembler family office: Sembler Investments

SI Private Capital is a private family office–backed fund manager focused on lower middle market companies, primarily in the Southeastern U.S., providing flexible equity (preferred, minority, majority) and debt (term, subordinated, mezzanine, convertible) solutions. The team, with 135+ years of combined operating, ownership, banking and investing experience, partners with management to enhance operations, optimize capital structure and drive long-term value creation. The firm targets businesses with approximately $2–$10 million in EBITDA and indicates a $5 million minimum targeted investment, with patient, strategy-aligned capital and a flexible time horizon.

SI Private Capital originates from Sembler Investments, the Sembler family’s single-family office based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Founded in 1989, Sembler Investments is a seasoned equity investor taking long-term majority stakes across southeastern U.S. commercial real estate and middle-market companies.

Article source: Business Observer Florida, 15.09.2025

Picture source: Getty Images, 15.09.2025