George Melville

Overview

George Melville is a Canadian businessman and investor recognized for his significant contributions to the restaurant and real estate industries. He co-founded Boston Pizza International Inc. in 1964, which has grown into a prominent chain with operations across North America. Under his leadership, the T&M Group of Companies, encompassing Boston Pizza and other ventures, achieved annual system-wide sales exceeding $1 billion. In 1990, he co-founded the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects, which has raised and donated over $18 million to Canadian charities. His philanthropic efforts have supported organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Canada, the BC Cancer Foundation, and the Rick Hansen Foundation. In 2018, he was appointed to the Order of British Columbia in recognition of his exceptional civic leadership and contributions to the community. Additionally, he served as the chancellor of Kwantlen Polytechnic University from 2014 to 2020, during which he and his wife, Sylvia, donated $8 million to the university, leading to the renaming of its business school to the Melville School of Business. This donation established funds for scholarships, bursaries, and advanced teaching technologies, significantly enhancing the educational experience for students. His investment firm, Melville Global Investments Inc., holds a diversified portfolio that includes ownership in Mr. Lube, Naramata Benchland Properties, and Bamboo World Kitchen, among other public and private investments. His strategic focus encompasses private equity, real estate, and venture capital, with investments ranging from $1 million to $50 million, primarily in Canada and the United States. His approach emphasizes growth, late-stage, pre-IPO, and buyout opportunities across various industries, including restaurant, retail, real estate, entertainment, healthcare, education, technology, media, energy, transportation, financial services, consumer goods, telecommunications, hospitality, and construction. Through his ventures and philanthropic activities, George Melville has made a lasting impact on the Canadian business landscape and continues to influence various sectors through his investments and community involvement.

Investment Focus

• Established businesses with a proven track record
• Opportunities with significant growth potential
• Management teams with strong leadership capabilities
• Investments that align with personal values and philanthropic interests
• Projects that contribute positively to the community and society

Portfolio Companies