Major Changes at Etta Collective: Co-founder David Pisor Out as InKind Takes Over
The once-mighty restaurant group, Etta Collective, is undergoing a major transformation with co-founder David Pisor officially out of the picture. In a $4 million deal finalized on April 15, Austin-based InKind has acquired Etta Collective’s assets, marking a new era for the company.
The road to this acquisition has been rocky for Etta Collective, with the group filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in 2024. The closure of Etta’s River North location added to the challenges faced by the staff. Despite the setbacks, InKind emerged as the winning bidder in a private auction held on March 25, solidifying their ownership of Etta Collective.
The history of Etta Collective is marked by legal battles and internal strife, stemming from the disintegration of What If Syndicate, the group founded by Pisor and former partner James Lasky. Following the split, Pisor took control of Etta, Aya Pastry, and Cafe Sophie, while Lasky and chef Danny Grant took over Maple & Ash.
InKind, a tech company founded by Johann Moonesinghe in 2017, has made a name for itself in the restaurant industry by providing a fundraising platform for independent restaurants nationwide. With partnerships with renowned establishments like Bloom Plant Based Kitchen and S.K.Y., InKind has raised millions for restaurants in 2024.
The acquisition of Etta by InKind raises questions about the future of the restaurant group. With plans for national expansion, InKind aims to revitalize Etta’s operations in Chicago and Scottsdale before moving forward. The fate of Aya Pastry, the acclaimed bakery once owned by Etta, remains uncertain as former pastry chef Aya Fukai seeks compensation for her stake in the business.
As Etta transitions under new ownership, former employees hope for a fresh start with improved management. While Moonesinghe has confirmed the acquisition, details about the future direction of Etta remain unclear. With a focus on stabilizing operations in existing locations, InKind’s takeover of Etta Collective signals a new chapter for the once-prominent restaurant group.