ChainFEST Returns to Los Angeles for its Second Edition in October

Grab a fork, ChainFEST is back.

Following last year’s inaugural outing, the largest chain food festival will launch a second edition at Skylight in downtown Los Angeles on October 5. Tickets will go on sale Friday. ChainFEST is an offshoot of Chain, the high-end chain restaurant-inspired experience co-founded by The Office star BJ Novak and Michelin-starred chef Tim Hollingsworth, as well as producers Jack Davis and Nicholas Kraft, talent manager Byron Ashley and entrepreneur Abe Burns.

Hollingsworth is leading the “culinary direction” of the event, which has added more food and beverage partners and interactive experiences. According to a release, ChainFEST LA will feature more than 15 exclusive culinary collaborations and activations from partners, including Domino’s, KFC, Panda Express, Cracker Barrel, White Castle, Johnny Rockets, Krispy Kreme, Red Robin, Red Lobster, Dutch Bros, Hot Dog on a Stick, Trader Vic’s and more. Koo Koo Roo will also return for the first time in 10 years.

For example, Cracker Barrel and Hollingsworth have teamed up to create a dish inspired by the brand’s favorite country-fried steak, which will be topped with a special Dijon cheddar sauce and served between two Cracker Barrel hand-rolled buttermilk biscuits. Red Lobster will offer butter-poached lobster biscuits inspired by cheddar biscuits. Krispy Kreme will offer a seasonal take on its glazed doughnuts, and Domino’s will introduce “Bougie Pizza” and “Bougie Lava Cakes” for dessert.

Other highlights include Cash App and Pepto Bismol activations. Menu items will be paired with Dutch Bros beers and specialty cocktails from Pernod Ricard brands like Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Malibu Rum, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Altos Tequila and Absolut Vodka.

“I worked with each chain to create unique dishes, exclusive to ChainFEST,” Hollingsworth said in a statement. “Each guest will be able to experience their favorite chain like never before, so be sure to come with an appetite.”

Adam Richman, Co-CEO of Medium Rare, the event’s producer, added: “ChainFEST is the ultimate celebration of the chains we’ve all loved since we were kids. But truly reimagined, with unique interactive pop-up restaurants beyond your wildest imagination from all of our partners and premium food offerings exclusive to ChainFEST.”