Cleveland Cavaliers’ Darius Garland Pivots from Longtime Fan to New Investor in Ohio’s Very Own Hot Chicken Takeover
COLUMBUS, Ohio (PRWEB) July 19, 2023 -- Ohio’s Very Own Hot Chicken Takeover is celebrating its ninth year in business by adding a bonus “number 10” to its team – Cleveland Cavaliers’ star Point Guard Darius Garland. Garland, a Round 1 draft pick to the Cavaliers in 2019, joins the Hot Chicken Takeover fam as an investor in Untamed Brands, which owns and operates the local chain and East Coast Mediterranean concept, taim. His partnership also includes a seat on the portfolio company’s Board of Directors.
Hot Chicken Takeover is a nationally renowned restaurant concept that has grown from a pop-up window in Columbus’ Olde Towne East neighborhood to eight locations throughout Ohio. The brand’s custom recipes are inspired by Nashville’s hot chicken culture, served with Ohio hospitality and customized to local taste preferences.
Looking to expand his investment portfolio, Garland recognized the opportunity in Untamed Brands’ multi-brand platform and supports the company’s commitment to Fair Chance hiring. Since its inception, Hot Chicken Takeover has supported employees who are overcoming circumstances such as addiction, or who are previously unhoused or incarcerated by providing them with stability, training and resources. The brand also believes in serving its local communities as a friendly neighbor and supports local schools and other causes.
“Chicken-based concepts are on fire with no end in sight. I’m fortunate to travel a lot and experience many different restaurants, but Hot Chicken Takeover’s hospitality, quality, and flavors are like no other and I’m inspired to help bring this brand to more people,” said Darius Garland. “Hot Chicken Takeover was one of my first meals when I arrived in Cleveland, and I have loved eating there since. In fact, after the first time eating there, my dad who lives in Nashville said it’s the best fried chicken he’s ever had! I also love the brand’s mission and its commitment to being a Fair Chance employer. I see a team trying to make a difference in our communities. I can’t wait to be a part of this and continue to grow the impact.”
“Everything we do is inspired by our communities and Darius Garland is equally dedicated to giving back in and around Cleveland. Having an authentic local fan and supporter in Darius is an absolute honor. We’re eager to tap into his skills and ideas,” says Phil Petrilli, Founder and CEO of Untamed Brands. “At Untamed, we look for strong brands that need help growing through common scaling hurdles after a few locations and bring decades of niche expertise to expand our restaurants into more neighborhoods and states. Darius will undoubtedly add perspective on ways we can reach more customers and enhance our menus.”
Darius Garland was selected with the fifth pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2019 NBA draft and made his season debut in December 2020. Since then, he has earned the position of NBA All-Star and received the Most Improved Player award.
In July 2022, Garland signed a five-year, designated rookie extension with the Cavaliers and later that year scored a career-high 51 points, becoming the fourth Cavaliers player to score 50, joining LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Walt Wesley.
“I’m energized by this opportunity to grow Untamed Brands and, with Hot Chicken Takeover, to support Ohio-based initiatives that are important to me and help provide futures for people in Cleveland and beyond,” added Garland.
Hot Chicken Takeover was founded in 2014 and has grown into a state-wide obsession. taïm mediterranean kitchen is a pita, bowl and salad chain with 13 locations in New York City, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Under Untamed Brands, the portfolio has grown 300% since launching in 2021.
About Hot Chicken Takeover
Hot Chicken Takeover (HCT) is a community-focused restaurant serving juicy, perfectly-fried Nashville Hot Chicken to Central Ohio residents. Founded in 2014, HCT attracts an eclectic mix of customers eager to gather around shared tables and sip refreshing iced tea, making the Hot Chicken Takeover experience feel more like a backyard block party than a restaurant. HCT is focused on creating an impact in the communities it serves through its approach as a Fair Chance Employer. By infusing the company culture with ownership and pride, HCT team members feed a lively customer experience. As a result, Hot Chicken Takeover has grown to become a beloved Columbus brand in Central Ohio and beyond. For more information, location, and hours visit hotchickentakeover.com.
About Untamed Brands
The Untamed Brands restaurant group was formed in 2021 by CEO, industry veteran Phil Petrilli. Owning and operating fast-casual restaurants with a view to rapid business expansion, Untamed Brands currently operates taïm and Hot Chicken Takeover. Unlike most restaurant private equity funds, Untamed partners with great brands helping them realize their fullest growth potential, scaling faster and more successfully through the hands-on work of its highly talented, experienced and proven successful team of restaurant leaders. Untamed Brands drives long-term scale by actively helping brands build and execute their strategic plans leveraging our decades of knowledge and networks. Learn more about Untamed Brands at http://www.untamedbrands.com.
Becky Olson, Untamed Brands, https://hotchickentakeover.com/, 1 4147934323, [email protected]
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