OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL – January 20, 2026 – Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc. is proud to spotlight two recent transactions that demonstrate our leadership in advising middle-market businesses, helping iconic brands preserve legacy, empower employees and position themselves for long-term success through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”).
World’s Finest® Chocolate: ESOP Transition
Founded in 1939 and based in Chicago, World’s Finest® Chocolate is a leading chocolate manufacturer and pioneer in school fundraising. Prairie helped guide the Company through due diligence, negotiation and ESOP structuring to share ownership broadly with employees, reinforcing the Company’s values and long-term vision. “Finest applies to more than the name at World’s Finest® Chocolate; they are a wonderful business that truly cares about its employees and its community,” said Richard Shuma, Managing Director at Prairie.
Graeter’s Ice Cream Company: ESOP Transition
Prairie also served as exclusive financial advisor to Graeter’s Ice Cream Company in its transition to employee ownership. The century-old Cincinnati-based maker of handcrafted French-pot ice cream—with over 50 retail locations and national distribution—chose an ESOP to remain independent, uphold its tradition of quality, and reward its team with ownership in the Company’s future. Prairie led the ESOP advisory process, from planning through transaction close. “We’ve been committed to doing things the right way for more than a century,” said Rich Graeter, CEO of Graeter’s. “The ESOP enables us to remain independent, stay true to our values, and empower our team as collective owners of Graeter’s future.”
Strategic Transitions. Enduring Legacies.
These transactions reflect Prairie’s deep expertise in advising food and beverage brands, particularly those rooted in craftsmanship, tradition and strong consumer loyalty. With a deep understanding of the people, products and ownership goals behind the transitions like World’s Finest® and Graeter’s, Prairie helps owners to design ESOP solutions that honor legacy while enabling the next chapter of growth. Through thoughtful structuring and disciplined execution, Prairie helps these businesses remain independent, employee-owned and positioned for long-term success.
About Prairie Capital Advisors
Prairie is a leading financial advisory firm specializing in creating and executing ownership transition strategies for middle-market companies nationwide. In 2023, Prairie was named ESOP Investment Bank of the Year by M&A Atlas. For more information, visit www.prairiecap.com.
Media Contact
Wendy Gugora, Director of Marketing
Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.
630.413.5574
wgugora@prairiecap.com
