For my first summer job in high school, I pulled espressos and counted tips at Uncommon Grounds in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I quickly started to appreciate the challenges of hospitality—and the resilience it takes to run a small business.
I can’t help but think back to that experience as we share some exciting news: Headline is proud to co-lead Owner’s Series C alongside our friends at Meritech. It's an honor to support a company that’s championing the restaurants at the heart of our neighborhoods.
Owner is building the Shopify for local business owners, starting with restaurants. They arm local businesses with the tools they need to take on the goliaths. Owner’s products include a website builder, automated marketing, online ordering, zero-commission delivery and custom mobile apps. Owner gives their restaurant partners everything they need to win online. Through the many thousands of restaurants Owner already powers, roughly one in five American adults has already used Owner to engage with their local restaurants.
The restaurant industry plays a vital role in the economy. In the U.S. alone, it represents 2.5% of GDP and 9% of consumer retail spending. One in ten working Americans has worked in the sector at some point. The industry's growth is closely tied to higher female labor participation rates. It also stands out for its diversity at the managerial level.
But restaurants offer more than economic impact. They’re also part of the social fabric: places where people celebrate milestones, find comfort, or simply connect with others over a meal. They are gathering places, support networks, and cultural anchors.
For all these reasons, I’ve spent nearly a decade investing in restaurant software. My partner Trevor Neff and I have backed several companies supporting the industry, including Toast and Restaurant365.
We believe Owner is best-in-class.
Owner’s commitment to the independent restaurant sector sets the company apart. In an industry often dominated by large chains, Owner focuses on the 45% of restaurants operated by individual owners. Technology companies often overlook this segment. And the team’s dedication to small restaurants is more than just a business strategy; it is a mission.
Meeting Adam, the co-founder & CEO of Owner, was a defining moment. His passion and drive are immediately palpable. So much so that I invited him to my home for dinner—a fitting setting to talk about a business built on the foundation of fellowship over food.
Adam’s approach is hands-on and deeply personal. Like Headline, he is scrappy, customer-obsessed, and in the trenches. He knows his restaurant partners by name and is truly invested in their success. In our 30+ conversations with customers, restaurateurs categorically commented that Owner “materially impacted” their business or “changed their life.”
Adam’s personal commitment to restaurant owners pairs perfectly with Owner’s data-driven approach. The platform’s insights help restaurateurs make smarter decisions, boosting efficiency and customer service.
Owner’s impact is evident in its customers’ growth. Many customers have expanded from one location to several, thanks to Owner. Their success highlights both the platform’s effectiveness and the trust that Owner has earned within the restaurant community. Impressively, the vast majority of Owner’s customers come through inbound interest, showcasing strong product-market fit and a growing reputation.
Headline Growth is excited to support Owner as it helps restaurateurs thrive. It is tough out there: online ordering is complex and competition is fierce. Owner’s technology and services will ensure that restaurants continue to provide the essential service that I first understood at Uncommon Grounds: fostering connection and belonging in our communities.
The Owner Team also posted a ton of detail about their Series C and about their business on their site, which you can check out at Owner.com/C