G.J. Hart

Operating Partner

G.J. Hart joined Fifth Down as an Operating Partner in 2025. G.J. is a seasoned restaurant industry executive, advisor, and board member with nearly four decades of leadership experience across public and private companies. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (2022–2025) and as a board member from 2019 to 2025. Known for driving profitable growth and long-term shareholder value, G.J. has also held key leadership roles at Torchy’s Tacos, California Pizza Kitchen, and Texas Roadhouse, where he led significant brand expansions and performance improvements.

In addition to his executive leadership, G.J. currently serves on the boards of Portillo’s Inc. (NASDAQ: PTLO), Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE: BROS), BarTrack Inc. and the National Restaurant Association.

G.J. is also a philanthropist, having endowed the Hart School of Hospitality at his alma mater James Madison University. He also advises academic institutions including James Madison University and the University of Louisville.

Senior Advisors and Operating Partners are non-control advisors. These individuals are not employees of Fifth Down Cap LLC (“FDC”) or any of the funds or SPVs managed by FDC or its affiliate, Fifth Down Capital Partners, LLC (together with FDC, “Fifth Down”). Certain of the Senior Advisors and Operating Partners are engaged by FDC to provide consulting services. Consultants may be compensated with fees for such services. Additionally, Senior Advisors and Operating Partners may receive incentive unit grants in FDC and grants of carried interest in funds or vehicles managed by Fifth Down. Further, Senior Advisors and Operating Partners may be investors, directly or indirectly, in FDC, Fifth Down funds or vehicles, and/or existing and prospective portfolio companies and may receive fee breaks in connection with such investments. These arrangements may pose an inherent conflict of interest in, or may otherwise influence, the Senior Advisors’ and Operating Partners’ endorsement of Fifth Down.