Craveworthy Brands’ first food hall opens in ChicagoCraveworthy Brands’ first food hall opens in Chicago

Joanna Fantozzi

Illinois-based restaurant platform, Craveworthy Brands — parent company of Dirty Dough, Hot Chicken Takeover, Genghis Grill and more — announced the opening of the hospitality group’s first food hall. Craveworthy Kitchen is a cobranded space in Chicago that features multiple Craveworthy concepts in one spot.

The food hall is located on the second floor of Chicago’s iconic “Big Red” skyscraper, inside Hayden Hall. The 25,000-square-foot food hall features Krafted Smash Burgers (an offshoot of Craveworthy’s Krafted Burger Bar Tap from chef Robert Kabakoff); Lucky Cat Poke Company; The Budlong Southern Chicken; and Craveworthy Kitchen-exclusive concepts, Scramblin Ed’s (breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and bowls); and Pastizza pizza and pasta.

“Craveworthy Kitchen at Hayden Hall is a game-changer for Craveworthy Brands, telling an exciting new chapter in our story,” Gregg Majewski, CEO and Founder of Craveworthy Brands, said in a statement. “Born from the heart of Chicago, many of the brands showcased here embody the city’s vibrant culinary spirit.”

Majewski also said that he is working on adding two more concepts to the food hall, along with a full-service restaurant. Once those are open, Craveworthy Brands is going to hold a grand opening celebration in late summer or early fall.

Related:Craveworthy Brands acquires Taim and Hot Chicken Takeover parent company Untamed Brands

“This venture underscores our relentless commitment to innovation, empowering our brands to thrive in new markets and staying ahead of trends in the evolving space,” Majewski said. “Offering an unparalleled culinary experience like this in an area that is bursting with flavor is a significant milestone for our company.”

Craveworthy Kitchen will be open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., though the breakfast and coffee concept will be open as early as 8 a.m.

Craveworthy Brands announced three major acquisitions in 2024 so far: Dirty Dough cookies in January, and both Sigri Indian BBQ and Untamed Brands (Hot Chicken Takeover and Taim) in May. In 2024, the company plans to open 17 corporate locations and 60 virtual restaurants. Craveworthy Brands has no plans to slow its momentum and wants to acquire additional concepts, with the goal of becoming a $1 billion company within the next five years.

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