B.J. Novak and Tim Hollingsworth Serving Up Second Helping of ChainFEST in Los Angeles

Grab a fork, ChainFEST is coming back.

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After last year’s inaugural outing, the largest gourmet chain food festival will roll out a second installment at Downtown L.A.’s Skylight on Oct. 5. Tickets go on sale Friday. ChainFEST is an off-shoot of Chain , the high-concept experiment inspired by chain restaurant dining co-founded by The Office star B.J. Novak and Michelin-starred chef Tim Hollingsworth along with producers Jack Davis and Nicholas Kraft, talent manager Byron Ashley and entrepreneur Abe Burns.

Hollingsworth is handling the “culinary direction” for the event, which has added more restaurant partners and interactive experiences. Per a release, ChainFEST L.A. will feature more than 15 exclusive gourmet collaborations and activations from partners including Domino’s, KFC, Panda Express, Cracker Barrel, White Castle, Johnny Rockets, Krispy Kreme, Red Robin, Red Lobster, Dutch Bros, Hot Dog on a Stick, Trader Vic’s and more. Koo Koo Roo will also make a return for the first time in 10 years.

For example, Cracker Barrel and Hollingsworth teamed up to create a dish inspired by the brand’s menu favorite, country fried steak, which will be topped with a special dijon cheddar gravy sauce and served between one of Cracker Barrel’s hand-rolled buttermilk biscuits. Red Lobster will tray up cheddar bay biscuits-inspired butter poached lobster biscuits. Krispy Kreme will roll out a seasonal twist on its glazed donuts, and Domino’s will present “Bougie Pizza” and “Bougie Lava Cakes” for dessert.

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Other highlights include Cash App and Pepto Bismol activations. Menu items will be paired with pours from Dutch Bros and specialty cocktails from Pernod Ricard brands like Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Malibu Rum, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Altos Tequila and Absolut Vodka.

“I have been working with every Chain to create one-of-a-kind dishes that are exclusive to ChainFEST,” Hollingsworth said in a statement. “Every guest will be able to experience their favorite chain like never before, be sure to arrive with an appetite.”

Added Adam Richman, co-CEO of Medium Rare which is producing the event: “ChainFEST is the ultimate celebration of the chains we all grew up loving. But truly reimagined, featuring one-of-a-kind interactive restaurant pop ups that will exceed your wildest imagination from all our partners and elevated gourmet offerings exclusive to ChainFEST.”

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