CASTLE ROCK, Colo. – Area 15 Ventures, LLC, a private equity firm based in Castle Rock, Colorado, announced today that it acquired the remaining equity in Daddy’s Chicken Shack, a rapidly growing fried chicken concept with 160 locations in development. 
 
Dave Liniger, co-founder and chairman of global franchise powerhouse RE/MAX© originally made a significant investment in the concept and now has acquired the remaining ownership. “I love this concept and am grateful to Pace and Chris for providing the groundwork to take this brand to the next level,” said Liniger, “I’m thrilled to acquire full ownership, and we’re excited to move forward with our development goals.” Liniger will now serve as the brand’s Chairman and has plans to open his first location in Scottsdale, Arizona later this month. Daddy’s Chicken Shack and Area 15 Ventures came to a mutual agreement aimed at scaling the business to its highest potential, ultimately leading to the acquisition.
 
Pace Webb and Chris Georgalas are the visionaries behind the Daddy’s Chicken Shack brand. Webb started the brand after receiving rave reviews of her fried chicken sliders with her catering business, Taste of Pace. Together, Webb and Georgalas grew Daddy’s Chicken Shack from the ground floor and caught the attention of Area 15 Ventures and more specifically, Dave Liniger himself. The team grew Daddy’s Chicken Shack to a dozen regional developers with a pipeline of 160 locations in development.
 
“The past two years have been an incredible and exhilarating ride with Area 15 Ventures as we have built Daddy’s Chicken Shack’s systems, training and processes to support rapid expansion through the regional developer model. The kind of brand interest and rapid growth is unparalleled,” said Pace Webb, co-founder and former CEO of Daddy’s Chicken Shack. “With Area 15 Ventures’ recent acquisition of Port of Subs, they are quickly becoming a food-focused fund on the rise. 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.”
 
Area 15 Ventures is owned by the Liniger family and currently invests in 12 businesses, ranging from restaurant brands to motorcycle companies, and even a brand specializing in life-saving technology in the event of emergencies. The private equity group continues to expand its reach with new concepts and provide guidance through its shared services model, including providing outstanding support with its marketing and technology capabilities for its portfolio brands.
 
This announcement comes just one month after Area 15 Ventures acquired Port of Subs, a 50-year legacy sandwich brand based in Nevada. Both concepts mark an exciting path for Area 15 as the esteemed private equity firm begins to expand upon the regional developer model, a franchise growth initiative that has been integral to the rapid success of Daddy’s Chicken Shack. Joining the Daddy’s team in this acquisition is Dave Liniger Jr., who will serve as the brand’s president moving forward.
 
“We are thrilled with the outcome of this partnership, and I am personally ecstatic to be taking on a new role with Daddy’s Chicken Shack,” said Dave Liniger Jr., President of Daddy’s Chicken Shack. “Pace and Chris cultivated a stellar business model with amazing menu items, and we’re incredibly grateful for the close relationship we’ve formed with them over this last year. I have every confidence that their next endeavor will make waves in the restaurant industry and look forward to seeing our continued success as we work to scale Daddy’s Chicken Shack to its fullest potential.”
 
As Area 15 Ventures looks toward the future, its immediate focus lies with supporting upcoming openings with existing franchisees, as well as securing additional regional developers in new territories.
 
Ideal franchise candidates have a desire to provide quality, fresh ingredients to customers along with the idea of leveraging an unforgettable experience in bringing people together. The brand aims to attract individuals and groups with previous restaurant experience and who resonate with the brand’s values of bringing sunshine to communities by honoring inclusivity, good food and a memorable guest experience. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit https://daddysfranchising.com/
 
About Daddy’s Chicken Shack 
Daddy’s Chicken Shack was founded in 2018 by entrepreneurial duo Pace Webb and Chris Georgalas in Pasadena, California after Webb’s chicken sliders became a huge hit at a catered celebrity party. Known for its southern-style flavors and premium fried chicken sandwiches, the brand began franchising in 2021. Daddy’s Chicken Shack uniquely positions itself at the height of the market, aligning itself favorably with a commitment to tech-enabled operations, sustainability and unique flavors. Dave Liniger, co-founder of RE/MAX, and Area 15 Ventures acquired the brand in May of 2023, guiding the strategic franchising initiative that is ideal for experienced, multi-unit restaurant developers.
 
About Daddy’s Franchising
The Daddy’s Chicken Shack Regional Developer Program provides qualified entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop a market with 1M or more in population by opening at least one location and having independent franchisees within the territory.  Regional Developers derive income from soliciting qualified franchisees and ongoing support to independent franchisees within their territory.  
 
About Area 15 Ventures, LLC
Area 15 Ventures is a Colorado-based private equity business owned by the Liniger family and highly skilled friends and employees. The private ownership allows for quick decisions and providing personal support and development. The focus is on emerging franchisors and high growth businesses that require an investment to scale their opportunity to the next level and benefit from the team’s experience in franchising both RE/MAX and Motto Mortgage. The Area 15 Ventures team bring vast experience in business development, marketing, franchise sales, Zee/Zor relationships, training and international expansion.  For more information, please visit www.area15ventures.com

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