Private Equity Firm Takes Majority Interest in Pasadena Sucess Story, Daddy’s Chicken Shack

Pasadena homegrown fast-casual franchise, Daddy’s Chicken Shack, known for its buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, has been fully acquired by private-equity firm Area 15 Ventures, multiple restaurant industry media reports said Friday.

The brainchild of married Pasadena residents Pace Webb and Chris Georgalas, Daddy’s Chicken Shack was born in 2018 out of Webb’s popular fried chicken sliders served through her local catering business, Taste of Pace. The concept quickly evolved into a restaurant that has become a Pasadena success story, now with plans for rapid national expansion.

Area 15 Ventures, a Colorado-based firm founded by RE/MAX co-founder Dave Liniger, had initially invested in the Pasadena eatery before deciding to acquire the remaining equity. “I’m thrilled to acquire full ownership, and we’re excited to move forward with our development goals,” said Liniger, who will now serve as the brand’s chairman.

With the launch of its franchise growth plan in 2021, Daddy’s Chicken Shack has already marked its presence on the national map, with 160 locations under development across Florida, Texas, Colorado, California, Georgia, and Arizona. The brand currently operates one open unit in Houston.

The transition of ownership will see Liniger opening the first Daddy’s Chicken Shack location outside of California in Scottsdale, Ariz., next month. His son, Dave Liniger Jr., is set to step in as the brand’s president.

Despite the shift in management, the Pasadena roots of the brand continue to influence its trajectory. Webb, who will step down as CEO, shared her optimism about the future of Daddy’s Chicken Shack under the new leadership. 

“The kind of brand interest and rapid growth is unparalleled… They are building a solid team to take Daddy’s and their other brands to the moon, and we couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds for Daddy’s under their management. Dave Liniger is a true visionary and has given us and our vision a tremendous opportunity to become a legacy brand,” she said.

The terms of the Daddy’s Chicken Shack acquisition were not disclosed.