Chicken Chain To Open 13 Jersey Shore Locations

NEW JERSEY — Feeling hungry for some chicken? A new chicken chain is looking to expand into New Jersey, with 13 restaurants planned to open in Monmouth and Ocean counties in the next few years.

Daddy's Chicken Shack, a chain that has no East Coast presence as of now, recently inked a multi-unit deal to bring the franchise to New Jersey. The local Esperto Hospitality Group, comprised of four industry veterans, is spearheading the hatching of this plan.

The fast-casual chain calls itself the “hottest thing to hit the chicken segment since fried chicken itself.” The restaurant boasts of flavor profiles inspired by Southern charm and chef-driven expertise. They offer both fried and grilled chicken, brined overnight in a secret blend of fresh herbs and spices and cooked fresh to order.

“We are thrilled to kickstart this exciting journey with Daddy’s Chicken Shack,” said John DiLeo, founder of Esperto Hospitality Group and longtime franchisee of Perkins Restaurant and Bakery. “From the chef-driven menu offerings to the support and encouragement we receive from Dave Liniger, this is the perfect brand for our team. Their commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision, and we see immense potential in bringing this concept across New Jersey.”

The brand has been franchising since 2021 and is on track to open 10 new locations by the end of 2024.

Specific locations for the Monmouth and Ocean restaurants have not been determined but the team is looking for sites, a Daddy's Chicken Shack spokesperson confirmed to Patch.