Investment, guidance could propel the opening of 15 new restaurants by end of 2022
Ike’s Love and Sandwiches has invested in the Bangin’ Buns Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant concept. In this new chapter for Bangin’ Buns, the chain will expand into new markets, and also within Southern California. A group of friends in the San Fernando Valley launched the venture in 2018 out of their homes.
The team at 80-unit Ike’s, led by CEO Michael Goldberg, founder Ike Shehadeh, CMO Renae Scott and VP of Development Adam Rinella will oversee new store development, operations and marketing for all new Bangin’ Buns stores. After the strategic investment, the Ike’s corporate operations infrastructure will also bring to bear certain synergies, including purchasing savings, and an expansion of digital marketing at the fledgling, but popular chicken fast casual.
Bangin’ Buns founders Nick Nshanyan, Gary Shahbazyan, Sam Manvelyan, and Arman Grigoryan, who perfected their recipes as friends and engendered a loyal following will continue with day-to-day operations of existing stores.
“We think this strategic partnership is a great way to leverage the strength of the Ike’s brand and build our restaurant portfolio” said Michael Goldberg, chief executive of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches. “Both Ike’s and Bangin Buns have unique flavorful products unlike anything available in the market today.”
Bangin’ Buns Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches are served on hoagie rolls, which is part of the differentiation of the concept among competitors. Three locations exist in Southern California: North Hollywood, a current South Central store, and one soon to be opened in Artesia
Ike’s will focus expansion of Bangin’ Buns in Ike’s strongest markets, including Northern California, Southern California and Arizona. A total of 15 new stores are projected to be open by the end of 2022.
Terms of the transaction were not announced.
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