Photo: Contributed.

Richard Jaffray (left) stands with his new business partner, David Hawksworth.

Cactus Club co-founder Richard Jaffray has invested an undisclosed amount in Hawksworth Restaurant Group, an 11-year-old venture founded by celebrated chef David Hawksworth.

The group's restaurants include Hawksworth Restaurant, Nightingale and Bel Cafe.

Hawksworth told BIV that Jaffray's investment was "hefty," although he would not disclose the exact amount. He also would not say whether the investment is a majority or minority share of the company. 

"He will be there as an advisor and somebody that I can talk to, and we can discuss things," Hawksworth said of Jaffray. "That will be his role. There's no change in my business, or day-to-day running of anything."

Jaffray in February sold his stake in Cactus Club to the Fuller family, which also owns the Earls and Joey Restaurants chains.

Hawksworth said that he has known Jaffray for decades and "when he was finished with Cactus Club, we struck up a conversation."

Hawksworth Restaurant has been listed by Forbes as being one of the best restaurants in the world. 

Jaffray was unavailable for an interview but said in a release that he has always respected Hawksworth and his restaurant group.

“I’m looking forward to adding value and contributing to the team’s continued success,” he said. 

Jaffray co-founded Cactus Club in 1988 with Scott Morison, who sold his stake in the venture in 2005 for $4 million. Morison then founded the Browns Socialhouse chain.

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