Operations

RE/MAX founder opening 20 Daddy's Chicken Shacks

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February 24, 2022

Pasadena, California-based Daddy's Chicken Shack has inked a 20-unit deal with Dave Liniger, the founder of RE/MAX, to open 10 locations in both Denver and Phoenix, the latter of which will focus on the eastern part of the region, including Scottsdale.

"The upside for Daddy's Chicken Shack is limitless when you consider the level of differentiation it has achieved and that it will sustain in the years to come," Liniger said in a company press release. "This is a concept designed to thrive today where high-quality menu items must pair perfectly with convenience and value. I don't take any investment lightly, and I've done endless due diligence on Daddy's Chicken Shack. This is a rock-solid brand with a remarkable foundation for expansion."

In addition to becoming the first franchise investor with Daddy's Chicken Shack, Liniger is also an investor in the corporate entity and serves as a mentor to company co-founders Pace Webb and Chris Georgalas.

Liniger has established Area 15 Franchising, now part of Area 15 Ventures, the private equity investment portfolio featuring stakes in more than 10 companies across an array of industries, to own and operate the restaurants.

"Chris and I have been working tirelessly since founding the brand to maximize its potential, and Dave has been an incredible sounding board. I can't think of better validation for the brand than to have Dave sign a regional developer deal, and open restaurants that he plans to own and operate in the markets," Pace Webb, who serves as chef, CEO and leads the business with Georgalas, her husband and the president of the company, said in the release. "Dave and Daddy's Chicken Shack together position the brand to become an immediate force. The ripples from this will be felt, strategically setting us up for exponential expansion."

Linger said his belief in Daddy's stems from several factors, with its signature chicken sandwiches at the top of the list as well as the business model, which has been entrenched in technology since it opened in 2018. It has online ordering, app engagement, in-store web-enabled tech, exclusive pick-up areas and third-party delivery partnerships. Plus, Georgalas' vision included a dynamic backend technology suite that fosters real-time data to better serve customers, employees and vendors.

With the regional developer deal in place for Liniger, franchise sales efforts are immediately underway in the reserved territories. Ideal franchise candidates have a desire to provide high-quality, fresh ingredients to customers along with the idea of leveraging an unforgettable experience in bringing people together, Liniger said.