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The basics:

• Esperto acquires Daddy’s Chicken Shack from Area 15 Ventures
• First NJ location planned for Tinton Falls in 2026
• Chain has signed about 160 franchise development deals
• Esperto plans expansion across Monmouth and Ocean counties

Holmdel-based Esperto Hospitality Group is acquiring fast-casual restaurant concept Daddy’s Chicken Shack.

NJBIZ has learned that under the agreement, the company took ownership of the brand from Colorado private-equity firm Area 15 Ventures. Financial terms of the May 15 deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 2018, Daddy’s Chicken Shack’s Southern-inspired menu includes fried and grilled chicken, sandwiches, sliders, popcorn chicken, burritos, salads and loaded fries.

Spreading its wings

The company’s growth plan accelerated in 2021, when Area 15 Ventures – a holding company owned by RE/MAX co-founder and Chairman Dave Liniger Jr. – made a significant investment. Two years later, Area 15 Ventures acquired the brand.

Other businesses within Area 15’s portfolio include sandwich chain Port of Subs, red light therapy brand DNA Vibe and the RE/MAX global real estate franchise.

Daddy’s Chicken Shack has said its five-year-old franchise program has resulted in about 160 development deals, but the chain has just two locations open as of May 2026. Those eateries are in Littleton, Colo., and Leander, Texas.

In an effort to spur growth, Area 15 says it recently “undertook a strategic refinement to optimize unit economics, refocus the brand and build operational efficiency prior to aggressive expansion.”

“That work is now complete, and Daddy’s enters this next chapter leaner, cleaner, and ready for disciplined regional expansion through proven operators with deep local roots,” this week’s announcement says.

NJ openings

Esperto was among the first franchise groups to sign a deal with Daddy’s Chicken Shack.

As part of the initial agreement announced in April 2024, the firm will launch 13 Daddy’s Chicken Shack locations in Monmouth and Ocean counties over the next few years. The first outpost is scheduled to open by the third quarter of 2026 in Tinton Falls, according to Esperto.

The operator’s lineup of about a half dozen eateries features several of its own upscale concepts, such as Covo Italian Steakhouse, The Office Restaurant & Lounge, Catezza Italian Kitchen & Bar, Local House Kitchen + Bar and Café Pari.

Esperto is led by President John DiLeo Jr. His brother, Anthony DiLeo, serves as vice president.

The team also includes Darden Restaurants veteran Tony Ruccio as director of operations and experienced executive chef Jonathan Rice as director of culinary.

‘The way it deserves to be built’

Commenting on the deal with Area 15, John DiLeo said, “Daddy’s is a brand that does things the right way with real ingredients, real craft and no shortcuts. That’s the same standard we hold ourselves to across every concept we operate. This is a natural fit, and we’re committed to building it the way it deserves to be built – carefully, with the right team, in the right markets.”

Daddy’s is a brand that does things the right way…
– John DiLeo Jr., president, Esperto Hospitality Group

Area 15 Managing Director Adam Contos remarked, “We’ve always believed that the right operator, with the right team in the right market is how you grow a brand. John and Anthony DiLeo have built something genuinely impressive in New Jersey. They understand hospitality at a level that is rare, and they’re exactly who you want carrying this brand into a new region.”