Chicago-based fast-casual restaurant chain Protein Bar announced it had received a capital investment from private equity company Catterton Partners. No financial details were given about the transaction. Protein Bar said it would use the funding to expand the Protein Bar concept all over the US. They currently have 12 restaurants in Washington, DC and Chicago and plans to expand in Denver, Colorado.

Protein Bar provides health-conscious customers with healthy food options in its modern and hip restaurants. They are popular for their "Bar-ritos," salads, quinoa bowls and protein drinks. The restaurant made it to the Top 50 Breakout Brands of Nation's Restaurant News. Found Matt Matros made it as a finalist for the 2013 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

"We are delighted to partner with Catterton, the leading private equity firm in consumer investing. We believe our concept, which is focused on providing on-the-go customers with healthy options that boast great quality and flavor, is primed for growth," Matros said.

Catterton Partners has more than USD 4 billion under active management. It recently closed its seventh buyout fund and its second growth fund.