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C-store foodservice program Krispy Krunchy Chicken wins private-equity investmentC-store foodservice program Krispy Krunchy Chicken wins private-equity investment

The cult-favorite Louisiana fried chicken brand has plans for growth

Lisa Jennings, Executive Editor

December 7, 2021

1 Min Read
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A Louisiana-based Cajun chicken concept designed for convenience stores has won a strategic growth investment from private-equity firm Main Post Partners, the company said Tuesday.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken, or KKC, partners with retail operators — mainly convenience stores — to offer a menu of proprietary Cajun-style fried chicken and sides. Founded in 1989 by Neal Onebane, the brand is available in more than 2,600 retail locations in 48 states and has developed somewhat of a cult following.

Terms were not disclosed, but the plan is to grow the brand and build awareness.

Dan Shapiro, Krispy Krunchy’s CEO, said the 32-year-old brand has grown primarily by relying on word-of-mouth marketing and loyalty. Main Post Partners, which has prior experience in foodservice with investments in Jimmy John’s, Snooze an A.M. Eatery, the Peruvian-stye Viva Chicken and multiconcept franchisee Flynn Restaurant Group.

“We are very excited to partner with Dan, the Krispy Krunchy team, and a brand that has struck a chord with its avid customer base. The scale and success of KKC is very impressive, but we see a substantial opportunity to further unlock the brand’s potential and grow awareness of Krispy Krunchy’s craveable convenient products,” said Aaron Garcia, principal at Main Post Partners.

Brookline Capital Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor and Katten Munchin Rosenman served as the exclusive legal advisor to Krispy Krunchy; Davis Wright Tremaine served as exclusive legal advisor to Main Post Partners.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout

About the Author

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality

Lisa Jennings is executive editor of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She joined the NRN staff as West Coast editor in 2004 as a veteran journalist. Before joining NRN, she spent 11 years at The Commercial Appeal, the daily newspaper in Memphis, Tenn., most recently as editor of the Food and Health & Wellness sections. Prior experience includes staff reporting for the Washington Business Journal and United Press International.

Lisa’s areas of expertise include coverage of both large public restaurant chains and small independents, the regulatory and legal landscapes impacting the industry overall, as well as helping operators find solutions to run their business better.

Lisa Jennings’ experience:

Executive editor, NRN (March 2020 to present)

Executive editor, Restaurant Hospitality (January 2018 to present)

Senior editor, NRN (September 2004 to March 2020)

Reporter/editor, The Commercial Appeal (1990-2001)

Reporter, Washington Business Journal (1985-1987)

Contact Lisa Jennings at:

[email protected]

@livetodineout

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jennings-83202510/

 

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