- I attended the first-ever ChainFest in New York City and ranked everything I ate.
- The food festival features elevated takes on iconic chain-restaurant and fast-food menu items.
- Here’s everything I ate, including new menu items coming to KFC and Red Robin.
On what felt like an unusually hot September day in New York City, I trekked across a grassy field, my stomach empty and churning in anticipation of what lay ahead.
In front of me loomed a large stage with a DJ blasting music, tents set up with picnic tables, and a VIP area that beckoned me to come inside.
This wasn’t a music festival — it was ChainFest, a food festival with pop-up events in New York City and Los Angeles. ChainFest collaborates with Michelin-starred chef Tim Hollingsworth and chains like KFC, Cracker Barrel, Red Robin, and Red Lobster to create elevated versions of fan-favorite menu items.
I got the opportunity to try all of the dishes, including new menu items coming to chains soon. Most of the food I tried was included in the standard tasting ticket, which started at $99.99 and allowed guests to try each ChainFest menu item once. The items were all portioned on the smaller side so that guests could try every menu item without feeling overly stuffed.
However, in order to try the exclusive Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits-inspired butter-poached lobster biscuit, you had to purchase a VIP ticket, which started at $399.99 and included unlimited access to all ChainFest booths, early entry to the festival, an open bar, and other perks. I received a media pass to attend the festival.
Overall, I left feeling well and truly stuffed.
Here’s everything I ate at ChainFest, ranked from my least favorite to my favorite.
