Fox Entertainment has acquired a stake in BJ Novak’s food experience company Chain. Chain is a Los Angeles-based venture that turns nostalgic dining into an event. The deal includes the integration of Fox IP and a first-look development agreement with Chain Media.
Chain is best known for ChainFest, a ticketed event in LA where Michelin-starred chefs remix fast food favorites, pop-up restaurants and exclusive menus. Its collaborations include Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Jack in the Box and Panda Express, as well as entertainment partners such as Paramount and Disney.
Fox will partner with the chain’s food pop-ups, fan festivals and other events, as well as Gordon Ramsay’s Studio Ramsay Global banner, also owned by Fox. (One of the most famous culinary personalities of all time, Mr. Ramsay has produced Fox’s hosted series from “Hell’s Kitchen,” “MasterChef” to this year’s “The Secret Service.”
“Food continues to define culture: how we celebrate, how we remember and how we connect. No one understands how to turn culinary storytelling into a cultural obsession like Fox Entertainment and Studio Ramsay Global, and we’re excited to work together to bring chain experiences to even more people,” said Novak.
Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment, added, “As Fox continues to expand its dominance across the food space, our investment in Chain will advance our digital storytelling and content creation strategy with this close partnership in a winning business model where viral events advance creative potential.” “Studio Ramsay Global’s expansive and growing culinary empire and unparalleled digital footprint, combined with Chain’s remarkable and proven influence, will strengthen, expand and deepen our connection with food fans around the world.”
Chain was founded by Novak, producers and entrepreneurs Jack Davis, Abe Burns, and Byron Ashley. Michelin-starred chef Timothy Hollingsworth. and Chief Creative Officer Nicholas Craft.
