2018
200
$725,750
$45,000
$1,156,750
No
Daddy’s Chicken Shack is a rising star in the fast-casual dining sector, offering a unique twist on classic comfort food. Founded in 2018 by celebrity chef Pace Webb and entrepreneur Chris Georgalas, the brand began as a humble 700-square-foot eatery in Pasadena, California. What started with a single fried chicken slider that garnered celebrity acclaim has since evolved into a nationwide franchise phenomenon. Under the strategic leadership of Dave Liniger, co-founder of RE/MAX and founder of Area 15 Ventures, Daddy’s Chicken Shack is poised for rapid expansion across the United States.
The brand's commitment to quality is evident in its menu, which features hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and free-range chicken, prepared using innovative pressure-cooking and grilling techniques. This dedication to excellence, combined with bold, chef-curated flavors, sets Daddy’s Chicken Shack apart in the competitive fast-casual landscape.
Proven Concept: From a single location in Pasadena to a rapidly expanding franchise network, Daddy’s Chicken Shack has demonstrated scalability and market demand.
Strong Leadership: With the backing of Dave Liniger and Area 15 Ventures, the brand benefits from seasoned expertise in franchising and business development.
Innovative Menu: The focus on high-quality, flavorful chicken appeals to a broad customer base, ensuring repeat business and community loyalty.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and operational support, ensuring a smooth launch and sustained success.
Growth Potential: With over 200 units in development and ambitious expansion plans, investing now positions franchisees for significant growth in a thriving market.
1. Established Year & Founders:
Daddy’s Chicken Shack was founded in 2018 in Pasadena, California, by celebrity chef Pace Webb and entrepreneur Chris Georgalas. The founders envisioned a fast-casual restaurant that combined bold, chef-driven flavors with high-quality ingredients. What began as a single 700-square-foot location quickly became a local favorite, known for its innovative chicken dishes.
2. Brand Journey:
The brand started with a signature fried chicken slider that became a hit with local food enthusiasts and celebrities.
Daddy’s Chicken Shack emphasizes high-quality, hormone-free and antibiotic-free chicken, catering to the growing consumer demand for healthier, responsibly sourced foods.
Over time, it evolved from a single location to a nationally recognized fast-casual concept, attracting investors and franchisees interested in expanding the brand across the United States.
3. Ownership & Leadership:
In May 2023, the brand was acquired by Area 15 Ventures, led by Dave Liniger, co-founder of RE/MAX. This acquisition strengthened the company’s resources and strategic direction for rapid nationwide expansion.
The leadership combines culinary expertise, franchising experience, and business acumen, which has contributed to a scalable and replicable franchise model.
4. Franchise Units & Market Presence:
Daddy’s Chicken Shack has over 200 units in development across the U.S.
The franchise has a strong foothold in fast-casual dining, competing in the chicken restaurant segment alongside other popular chains.
Its focus on quality ingredients, bold flavors, and a unique brand identity differentiates it from competitors in the fast-casual market.
5. Industry Category & Positioning:
Category: Fast-Casual Dining / Chicken Restaurants
Positioning: Daddy’s Chicken Shack positions itself as a chef-driven, high-quality chicken franchise with a focus on flavor innovation and community engagement. Its brand story and menu quality appeal to millennials, Gen Z, and families seeking tasty yet responsibly sourced meals.
6. Headquarters:
The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas, from where it manages franchise operations, corporate marketing, and ongoing support programs.
Daddy’s Chicken Shack offers comprehensive support to ensure franchisees succeed from day one and continue to grow profitably. Their training and support programs cover every aspect of operations, marketing, and business management.
1. Pre-Launch Support:
Site Selection Assistance: Expert guidance in choosing prime locations based on demographics, traffic patterns, and market potential.
Lease Negotiation Support: Helping franchisees secure favorable lease terms with commercial property owners.
Restaurant Design & Build-Out: Collaboration with architects and designers to ensure that each restaurant meets brand standards and delivers a consistent customer experience.
Permits & Licensing Guidance: Assistance navigating local regulations, health codes, and other legal requirements.
2. Comprehensive Training Programs:
Operations Training: Hands-on training covering all day-to-day activities including food preparation, kitchen management, inventory control, and quality assurance.
Customer Service Training: Ensures every team member delivers consistent, high-quality guest experiences.
Leadership & Team Management: Training to recruit, train, and manage staff effectively.
Point-of-Sale & Technology Systems: Instruction on using POS systems, digital ordering platforms, and back-office management tools.
3. Marketing & Brand Support:
Grand Opening Marketing: Pre-launch campaigns to generate buzz, including social media, local PR, and community events.
Ongoing Marketing Assistance: Access to national and regional marketing strategies, digital campaigns, and promotional materials.
Brand Guidelines: Ensures that all messaging, signage, and branding are consistent with the company’s identity.
4. Operational Support:
Field Support: Regular visits from franchise support managers to monitor performance, offer guidance, and address operational challenges.
Performance Analytics: Tools to track sales, customer feedback, and operational efficiency.
Problem-Solving Assistance: Immediate support to address issues, improve processes, and maximize profitability.
5. Continuous Education & Updates:
Menu Innovation Training: Ongoing updates and training on new menu items, recipes, and seasonal promotions.
Workshops & Webinars: Regular educational sessions to enhance franchisee knowledge in marketing, operations, and leadership.
Networking Opportunities: Access to franchisee conferences and events to share best practices and learn from other operators.
Daddy’s Chicken Shack seeks franchisees who are passionate, committed, and ready to grow a successful fast-casual dining business. The ideal investor combines business acumen, leadership ability, and a dedication to the brand’s mission of delivering bold, high-quality chicken experiences.
1. Experience & Background:
Prior experience in the restaurant, hospitality, or retail sectors is highly desirable.
Understanding of operations, customer service, and team management is a strong advantage.
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to run day-to-day business operations efficiently.
2. Leadership & Management Skills:
Capable of hiring, training, and motivating staff to deliver excellent service and maintain operational standards.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple aspects of a restaurant, including inventory, payroll, scheduling, and compliance.
Ability to lead by example, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and customer focus.
3. Financial Capability:
Sufficient capital to cover initial franchise investment, including franchise fee, build-out, working capital, and marketing.
Willingness to invest in ongoing operations and marketing to maximize growth potential.
4. Passion & Commitment:
Genuine enthusiasm for food, hospitality, and the fast-casual dining experience.
Commitment to upholding the brand’s values, maintaining quality standards, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Interest in community engagement, building a loyal customer base, and growing a positive reputation locally.
5. Location & Expansion Potential:
Ideal candidates are open to operating in high-traffic, strategic locations suitable for fast-casual dining.
Those interested in multi-unit ownership or regional development opportunities are encouraged, as Daddy’s Chicken Shack supports growth-minded franchisees.
6. Personal Traits:
Resilient and adaptable to meet the challenges of running a business.
Strategic thinker with a focus on long-term profitability and operational excellence.
Strong communicator capable of building relationships with staff, customers, and the local community.
| Category | Details / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $45,000 | One-time fee to join the franchise system |
| Total Estimated Investment | $725,750 – $1,156,750 | Includes build-out, equipment, signage, initial inventory, and pre-opening expenses |
| Minimum Cash Investment | $75,000 | Liquid capital required to qualify for franchise ownership |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales | Ongoing fee to support brand operations and national marketing |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales | Contributes to national and local advertising campaigns |
| Working Capital | $45,000 – $60,000 | Ensures smooth operations during the initial months |
| Franchise Units in Development | 200+ units | Rapid expansion across the United States |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $500,000 – $750,000 | Includes construction, interior design, equipment, and furniture |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually (location dependent) | Based on current franchise performance trends |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 18 months | Varies by location, market size, and operational efficiency |
| Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, delivery, catering, merchandise | Multiple channels for maximizing profitability |
| Ongoing Support Value | Included | Operations, marketing, training, and technology support included |
Key Takeaways for Investors:
Daddy’s Chicken Shack is a high-growth, fast-casual franchise with proven scalability.
Moderate initial investment with strong potential ROI within 1–2 years.
Comprehensive support reduces operational risk and increases likelihood of success.
Diverse revenue streams allow franchisees to capitalize on both dine-in and off-premise sales.
