LA’s gourmet‑chain pop‑up sold out
Los Angeles’ first 'gourmet chain food festival' sold out Tier 1 tickets and will feature one‑day‑only Michelin‑starred chef takes on fast‑food classics. (x.com) It’s a weird crossover moment: Michelin technique meets chain menu — short, experiential, and already attracting heavy ticket demand. (x.com)
ChainFEST LA was staged at Skylight ROW DTLA on Oct. 5, 2024 as the festival’s Los Angeles return date. (hollywoodreporter.com) The event was produced by Chain founders B.J. Novak and Michelin‑starred chef Tim Hollingsworth, with Hollingsworth credited as the festival’s culinary director and partners including Jack Davis, Nicholas Kraft, Byron Ashley and Abe Burns. (hollywoodreporter.com) Organizers programmed more than 15 branded pop‑ups and collabs — names on the roster included Domino’s, KFC, Panda Express, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Cracker Barrel, White Castle, Krispy Kreme and Dutch Bros — and some activations offered exclusive VIP items such as a Red Lobster–inspired lobster biscuit. (hollywoodreporter.com) ChainFEST’s founders pointed to a sold‑out inaugural outing that drew roughly 5,000 fans, and the 2024 edition was promoted as an expanded format after that initial run. (chainfest.com) Tasting‑style passes advertised “13+ unique gourmet bites” with entry tiers that began around $89.99 for general tasting tickets, while VIP experiences included early access and exclusive menu items. (averagesocialite.com) Celebrity involvement extended beyond Novak and Hollingsworth: Chrissy Teigen was listed as a strategic advisor and investor for the Chain concept, and the ChainFEST format was expanded to other cities (including a NYC edition) and special behind‑the‑scenes offerings such as a private BJ Novak tour auction. (modernluxury.com)
