Leadership Continuity and Strategic Partnership
Chief Executive Officer Mickey Mills and her leadership team will remain at the helm, continuing to guide the company as they have for the past 78 years of brand history.
As part of the transition, 4×4 Co-Founder and Partner Gustavo Assumpção will assume the role of Executive Board Chair.
4×4 Capital, a New York-based investment firm founded in 2018, focuses on middle market companies in consumer goods, consumer services and related sectors across North America. The firm employs what it calls an active ownership model — pairing operational expertise with a systematic value-creation strategy designed to accelerate growth and enhance long-term performance.
The firm has built a track record of investing in and scaling food and beverage businesses, applying a hands-on partnership approach with management teams.
“We are proud of what we accomplished in partnership with Golden Gate Capital and excited to begin this next chapter with 4×4’s hands-on partnership,” Mills said. “Together, we look forward to investing in and enhancing our operations, guest experience and brand — with a continued focus on stability, partnership and long-term value creation.”
Assumpção said Bob Evans’ enduring appeal lies in its hospitality and value-driven dining experience.
“What truly sets the Bob Evans brand apart is its distinctive hospitality, welcoming ambiance and fresh, flavorful food — delivering real value for the whole family,” he said. “We look forward to partnering with Mickey and the team to maximize long-term growth.”
Neale Attenborough, managing director at Golden Gate Capital, expressed gratitude to the Bob Evans team for their stewardship of what he called an iconic brand and wished the company well in its next phase of development.
