What has a secret location, a 20,000-person waitlist and has attracted the likes of Kiernan Shipka, the Fanning sisters, John Legend and chef Roy Choi?
A chain restaurant pop-up.
In 2021, actor and writer B.J. Novak and chef Tim Hollingsworth launched Chain, a hidden L.A. foodie destination that merges the nostalgia of chain restaurants like Chili’s and Pizza Hut with gourmet experiences.
The pop-up has been so successful over the last two years— also having welcomed John Legend, Jen Atkin, Mike Rosenthal, Mindy Kaling, Elizabeth Olsen and John Mayer— that its creators are taking Chain to the next level with a two-day food takeover.
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On Dec. 1 and 2, ChainFest will take place at Nya Studios in Hollywood. Self-described as the world’s first gourmet chain food festival, it promises an epic celebration of all things chain cuisine, nostalgia and culture. The lineup includes the likes of Chili's Grill and Bar, Dunkin’ Donuts, Jack in the Box, Panda Express, Pizza Hut, Red Robin, and Sonic Drive-In, among others.
In line with previous Chain pop-ups, the festival will reimagine iconic menu items from the featured chain brands. There are also plans to debut one-of-a-kind food and beverages that will only be available during ChainFest, which will be paired with beverages from Pepsi and specialty cocktails from Diageo spirit brands (think Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff), respectively. Postmates will also offer on-site delivery.
On Oct. 12, pre-sale starts for single-day all-food-inclusive tickets.
ChainFest will be located at 1541 N Cahuenga Blvd 90028.
Photography by: Courtesy ChainFest
