86 Repairs raises $2 million

86 Repairs, a platform that streamlines and optimizes equipment repair and maintenance for restaurants, announced a $2 million round of seed funding from multiple investors including TDF Ventures, HAVI, Gordon Food Service, GHS Holdings, Tamarind Hill, Invest Detroit Ventures, Network Ventures, and the Cleveland Avenue State Treasurer Urban Success Fund.

Founded in 2018, the Chicago-based startup offers a subscription service that manages the entire end-to-end repair process and provides actionable insights to improve back-of-house operations. Through its aggregated data, 86 Repairs offers insights into which equipment is breaking, how expensive it should be to fix it and the cost of labor and parts to execute a fix. Since launching, 86 Repairs has partnered with 700+ restaurant locations, saving them an aggregate of $1,775,506.

“86 Repairs harnesses the power of technology to create a real and innovative solution for the restaurant industry. We’re impressed with 86’s ability to tackle R&M and other back-of-house pain points in a proactive way. We see big potential for this data-focused approach, especially as we enter a new phase for restaurants in a post-pandemic world.” – Will Rayner, principal, TDF Ventures.

“86 Repairs brings a visionary approach to this often overlooked, yet critical back-of-house aspect of the restaurant sector. “We see application and scalability across the industry and are extremely enthusiastic to invest in their concept, proactive solution, and pioneering technology.” – Don Thompson, founder of Cleveland Avenue, LLC.

“Restaurants have faced immense challenges since the start of the pandemic. Keeping kitchens up and running is essential to bouncing back, but too often it’s an expensive and time-consuming headache. Our secret sauce has been to create efficiencies, synthesize data and reduce costs. This infusion of capital will accelerate our innovation and insights so we can continue to best serve our customers and save them money – allowing them to focus on what matters most to them – their guests.” – Daniel Estrada, CEO and cofounder of 86 Repairs.

Bottom Line: Your next partner.