Born into
Fame,
It all started with a fried chicken slider and a bold proclamation. In 2018, chef and entrepreneur Pace Webb was asked to create fried chicken sliders for a celebrity catering event. One of the guests, Mandy Moore, boldly proclaimed that this was the “best chicken sandwiches I’ve ever tasted.”
Alongside her partner Chris Georgalas, the duo launched Daddy’s Chicken Shack in a tiny 700-square-foot spot in Pasadena, California. No parking, no seating, no problem—just bold flavors, warm Southern hospitality, and a dream.
Anthony DiLeo
By 2021, the brand began franchising. RE/MAX co-founder Dave Liniger discovered the brand and made an initial investment with his private equity group, Area 15 Ventures. In May 2026, Esperto Hospitality, led by John and Anthony DiLeo, acquired Daddy’s Chicken Shack from Area 15 Ventures to accelerate growth.
