Daddy’s Chicken Shack Acquired by Esperto Hospitality, Eyes New Jersey Expansion

Daddy’s Chicken Shack, the fast-casual chicken concept backed by Area 15, the Colorado-based restaurant venture founded by RE/MAX co-founder Dave Liniger, has been acquired by Esperto Hospitality Group. The Holmdel-based operator, led by President John DiLeo and Vice President Anthony DiLeo, will open its first Daddy’s location in Tinton Falls in Q3 2026, with additional New Jersey locations to follow.

Founded in 2018, Daddy’s Chicken Shack has built a devoted following through an uncompromising commitment to quality: buttermilk-brined, hand-battered chicken, house-made pickles, and signature sauces crafted from scratch. Over the past year, Area 15 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.

“We’ve always believed that the right operator, with the right team in the right market is how you grow a brand,” said Adam Contos, Managing Director of Area 15. “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.”

Esperto Hospitality Group operates six concepts across New Jersey, including COVO Italian Steakhouse, Local House Kitchen + Bar, Catezza Italian Kitchen & Bar, Cafe Pari, and The Office Restaurant & Lounge. The group’s leadership team includes Director of Operations Tony Ruccio, whose background spans 16 years with Darden Restaurants and senior leadership across the Princeton dining market, and Director of Culinary Jonathan Rice, a Walnut Hill College graduate with experience at Modo Mio and Osteria Morini. Anthony DiLeo brings more than three decades of franchise operations experience, including ownership of multiple Perkins locations across New York and New Jersey.

“Daddy’s is a brand that does things the right way, with real ingredients, real craft, and no shortcuts,” said John DiLeo, President of Esperto Hospitality Group. “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.”

“I’ve spent 30 years in franchise operations. I know what a scalable concept looks like, and Daddy’s has it,” said Anthony DiLeo, Vice President of Esperto Hospitality Group. “The food is differentiated, the model is clean, and the customer base is loyal. We’re planting our flag on the East Coast with New Jersey, a prime opportunity for franchisees who want to get in early.”

The Tinton Falls location will open Q3 2026. Additional New Jersey locations are in active development.