Food like the photos

In the world of fast-casual food franchises, there is a new competitor to hit the Colorado market. Born from a passion for perfect chicken and a commitment to flavor innovation, Daddy’s Chicken Shack just opened in Littleton and is quickly becoming a go-to destination for those seeking a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

The centerpiece of the menu is chicken, which is antibiotic and hormone free and either grilled or brined overnight in buttermilk with herbs then double-battered and pressure cooked in a fryer. Its crispy exterior gives way to juicy, flavorful meat with every bite. Ingredients are fresh, and food is prepared upon order.

What arguably sets Daddy’s Chicken Shack apart is its unique array of house-made signature sauces – spicy mayo, ranch, jalapeño ranch, chive sour cream, honey mustard, ginger mayo, rémoulade, blue cheese, vegan spicy or sriracha mayo, spicy sour cream, and classic ketchup.

The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, and the menu is chock full of flavorful options for the entire family for any meal – at prices that are on the lower end of fast-casual dining. 

Breakfast items include the Breakfast Sando – eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, chive sour cream and sriracha, served on a brioche roll. Or, try the classic Breakfast Burrito – eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions, crispy chicken and spicy sour cream, rolled into a flour tortilla. A personal favorite was the Waffle Daddy – a sandwich with hard-cooked egg and bacon strips, served between two fried Belgian-style waffles, dusted with powdered sugar and a side of maple syrup.

For lunch, try the Nashville chicken fingers (choose from five “heat” levels) with either seasoned fries or Daddy’s loaded fries topped with cheese, chunks of bacon, scallions and sambal – a spicy Thai relish. Looking to try to stick to that New Year’s resolution? Perhaps the Sunshine Salad featuring little gem lettuces, kale, slaw, sriracha, mint, creamy cilantro lime dressing and crispy or gluten-free grilled chicken might be more your speed.

Dinner combinations are creative and numerous, and the sandwiches come with either crispy or grilled chicken, and some include a variation of slaw and a signature sauce. House-made pickles, which happen to be the number one raved about item on the menu, are included on some sandwiches as well. All (with the exception of the Waffle Daddy) are served on a soft brioche bun. Family meals that feed four people are an affordable way to provide dinner, and party packs are available for same-day pick-up or delivery and feed groups of eight or more.

We have all been tempted at one time or another by a food photo, only to be disappointed that the real thing fell short of its visual representation. True to Daddy’s Chicken Shack’s trademarked promise of “Food Like the Photos™,” if an order does not look like the photos that led you to order it, let the cashier know and your order will be remade or refunded.

The restaurant’s simple design and vibrant, colorful decor create an inviting space for families, friends and solo diners alike. Daddy’s Chicken Shack’s business model is deeply entrenched in technology. The restaurants are designed to facilitate online ordering, app engagement, in-store web-enabled technology (kiosks), and exclusive pick-up areas for third-party delivery partnerships.

Dave and Gail Liniger, longtime Village at Castle Pines residents and co-founders of RE/MAX, partnered with the entrepreneurial duo who were inspired to open Daddy’s Chicken Shack in Pasadena California in 2018 after their chicken sliders became a huge hit at a catered celebrity party. Seeing their food’s popularity, the couple decided to grow Daddy’s Chicken Shack and bring its unique flavors to more communities. The Linigers’ private equity firm, Area 15 Ventures, acquired full ownership of Daddy’s Chicken Shack in May 2023.

Dave Liniger Jr., who is president of Daddy’s Chicken Shack, said they are committed to getting connected to and giving back to the local community. “As a family- and veteran-owned business, we are excited about getting deeply involved with the communities we serve,” he said.  We want to sponsor local athletic teams; we want our Daddy’s Chicken at homecoming and on the football field … we want that interaction.”

There are now Daddy’s Chicken Shack locations in development throughout Florida, Texas, California, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan and Colorado – with a Monument location opening in the next few months.  There are10 slated for Douglas County, and each franchise location is independently owned and operated. To learn more, visit daddyschickenshack.com.

By Terri Wiebold