Specialty frozen yogurt retailer Red Mango Inc. announced Tuesday a $12 million Series A investment led by Dallas-based private equity firm CIC Partners and veteran retail executive John Antioco, who will join management.

Red Mango, a Los Angeles-based retail chain founded in South Korea in 2002, said Tuesday that will use this investment for expansion and brand development. Red Mango opened its first U.S. store in July 2007 in Los Angeles and has since opened 32 store openings in California and six other states.

“I'm very pleased that John and CIC have partnered with us, and believe Red Mango will benefit significantly from their expertise in brand management and retail operations,” said Chief Executive Dan Kim in a statement.

Antioco previously served as chairman and CEO of Blockbuster, Taco Bell, and Circle K, as well as senior vice president of operations for 7-Eleven. He will serve as chairman of Red Mango's Board of Directors and brings with him several other new managers.

Jean Birch will serve as Red Mango's chief operating officer. Birch was formerly president of Macaroni Grill and Corner Bakery Cafe. Jim Notarnicola, former chief marketing officer at Blockbuster and 7-Eleven, will become Red Mango's chief marketing officer.

Red Mango is a relatively recent entrant to the Los Angeles frozen yogurt scene that had been dominated by locally founded Pinkberry, which received $27.5 million in financing last October from Starbucks founder Howard Schultz’s venture capital firm. Other chains entering the L.A. market include Kiwiberri, Mr. Snowberry, YogurtLand, Roseberry and Berri Good.