The visionary dining collective, Chain, conceived by the dynamic duo of B.J. Novak, the multifaceted actor, and Michelin-adorned chef Tim Hollingsworth, has embarked on a mission to rejuvenate culinary nostalgia through collaborations with iconic restaurant chains, hosting unforgettable events and pop-ups that evoke a sense of timeless charm. Adding a spark of star power to this culinary odyssey, The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reveals that Chrissy Teigen, the renowned model-turned-cookbook-auteur and entrepreneurial maven, has joined forces with Chain.
Teigen, who seamlessly transitions between the pages of her best-selling cookbooks—'Cravings: Recipes for All of the Food You Want to Eat' and 'Cravings: Hungry for More'—and the kitchen with her own line of cookware, baking mixes, and even cozy bathrobes under the Cravings umbrella, brings a strategic investor's acumen and a creative advisor's flair to Chain's expanding universe. As the company gears up to amplify ChainFEST, its gourmet chain food festival, develop captivating food programs, and forge new intellectual properties, Teigen's involvement promises to turbocharge this already thriving venture.
"Chain events are a class apart, and as someone who's been privy to countless parties and her fair share of fast-food indulgences, joining a company that effortlessly bridges fast-food culture with pop culture, led by a Michelin-starred chef, is nothing short of a dream come true," Teigen enthused in an official statement. "I'm thrilled by Chain's rapid growth and eager to contribute to its acceleration."
Beyond her culinary endeavors, Teigen is also renowned for her food-centric social media presence, further amplifying her influence in the food industry. As Chain's newly appointed investor and advisor, Teigen will curate an ensemble of esteemed restaurant partners for the upcoming ChainFEST tour, a journey that promises to delight food lovers across the nation. The company anticipates unveiling the dates, cities, and collaborating partners for the 2024 tour on August 6th.
Reflecting on Teigen's entry into the Chain fold, Hollingsworth expressed, "Chain events have transformed into celebrations of our shared passion and nostalgia for the legendary brands we partner with. Chrissy's early involvement in our Wagyu Beef Crunchwrap Supreme collaboration with Taco Bell underscored her alignment with our vision for Chain. It's heartening to welcome another partner who shares my appreciation for culinary delights ranging from a Beurre Monte poached lobster to Panda's Orange Chicken. I'm delighted to have her on board."
Novak's visionary idea for a chain-themed restaurant, first shared on a podcast in 2018, blossomed into a reality in March 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, when he and Hollingsworth launched Chain's inaugural pop-up in West Hollywood with the Bustin' Onion, a playful twist on Outback Steakhouse's iconic Bloomin' Onion. Since then, Chain has soared to new heights with additions like Chain House, a Los Angeles hub hosting pop-ups, ChainFEST (debuting in December 2023), and the recently premiered 'Chain Food: All-Star Dishes' series on Roku, featuring Teigen herself.
The negotiation of this landmark partnership was masterfully orchestrated by Luke Dillon of 3Arts and Meghan Mackenzie of WME, while Lily Tillers of Delshaw and Michael Littman of Littman Rooks served as Teigen's trusted legal counselors.
