Brynwood Partners has acquired the licence holder for the Bob's Big Boy salad dressings and dips brand.

The Chicago-based firm has bought The Flavor of California from an ownership group comprising its CEO, Julie Pantiskas, and private-equity firm Salt Creek Capital.

Flavor of California was set up in 2018 to buy the Bob's Big Boy dressings and dips business, which operates under licence from Big Boy Restaurant Group. It holds the licence to make and sell the Bob's Big Boy line in the western US and Mexico.

The financial terms of the transaction, which Brynwood conducted through its West Madison Foods business, were not disclosed. The restaurants are not part of the deal.

The grocery products include Bleu Cheese, Country Ranch, Roquefort and Thousand Island dressings and dips, as well as the Red Relish from the brand's Original Double-Deck Hamburger.

Brynwood chairman and CEO Henk Hartong said: “This acquisition strengthens our position in the refrigerated salad dressing space. We are also excited to now expand the Bob's Big Boy availability to the entire US as we have expanded our territory concurrent with this transaction. This will enable us to begin selling the Bob's Big Boy items in states like Michigan and Ohio where the brand has a rich history.”

Brynwood established West Madison in 2023 as a vehicle to manage the Dean's Dips and Marie's salad dressings brands.

The Connecticut-based private equity firm said the latest acquisition will “complement the impressive legacies of the Dean's and Marie's brands”.

Brynwood’s portfolio also includes Carolina Beverage Group, baking-products supplier Hometown Food Company and Miracapo Pizza Company.

In 2024, it was reported that Brynwood was working with advisers on a possible sale of Hometown Food Company. However, the baking brand remains part of the portfolio.