Daddy’s Chicken Shack Acquired by Esperto Hospitality, Eyes New Jersey Expansion
Daddy's Chicken Shack acquired, plans New Jersey expansion through Esperto Hospitality.
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Daddy’s Chicken Shack has been acquired by Esperto Hospitality Group, with a plan to open its first New Jersey location in Tinton Falls in Q3 2026. Following a strategic refinement on unit economics, the brand aims for aggressive regional growth with strong local operators. The expansion indicates confidence in the brand's model and operational readiness for new markets.
Why It Matters
This acquisition signals a strong opportunity for franchisees to enter a growing market early, potentially influencing territory availability and competitive positioning within New Jersey.
Daddy's Chicken Shack, a fast-casual chicken brand founded in 2018 and backed by Area 15, has been acquired by Esperto Hospitality Group. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Esperto, based in Holmdel, New Jersey, plans to open the first Daddy's location in Tinton Falls in the third quarter of 2026, with additional locations in New Jersey in development. The acquisition comes after Area 15 conducted strategic refinements to optimize unit economics and operational efficiency, positioning Daddy's for disciplined regional expansion.
With a focus on high-quality food offerings, including buttermilk-brined, hand-battered chicken and house-made pickles, Daddy's has cultivated a loyal customer base. Adam Contos, Managing Director of Area 15, expressed confidence in the new ownership, stating, "We’ve always believed that the right operator, with the right team in the right market is how you grow a brand." Esperto's leadership team includes John DiLeo as President, and Anthony DiLeo as Vice President, both experienced in franchise operations. John DiLeo remarked, "Daddy's is a brand that does things the right way... This is a natural fit, and we’re committed to building it the way it deserves to be built."
