The private-equity firm Main Post Partners has made a strategic growth investment in Krispy Krunchy Chicken, a New Orleans-based concept that serves freshly made chicken inside convenience stores and other retail locations.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. But Krispy Krunchy has more than 2,600 retail locations in 48 states.
The deal connects the company with an investment firm with considerable experience in the multiunit foodservice business. Main Post has invested in giant franchisee Flynn Restaurant Group in the past, as well as the sandwich chain Jimmy John’s.
Krispy Krunchy was founded in 1989 by Neal Onebane, a convenience-store operator in Lafayette, La. The company provides a quick-service-style offering in a flexible format. Its menu features Cajun fried chicken and an assortment of sides.
“The scale and success of KKC is very impressive,” Aaron Garcia, principal with Main Post, said in a statement. “But we see a substantial opportunity to further unlock the brand’s potential and grow awareness of Krispy Krunchy’s crave-able convenient products.”
The deal is a reminder of the growing competitiveness of convenience stores with restaurants. Many c-stores have substantial foodservice operations and there are brands eager to locate in them, given their steady supply of on-the-go consumers.
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