Fast Food Gets a Gourmet Makeover in the New Roku Special 'Chain Food: All-Star Dishes'
When chain restaurant staples get a gourmet spin, expect a match made in flavor heaven. The new Roku special Chain Food: All-Star Dishes follows chef Tim Hollingsworth as he transforms eight iconic dishes from restaurants including Chili’s, Panda Express and Pizza Hut into high-end eats. And he’s not alone: celebrities from actor and writer B.J. Novak to TV personality and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen appear in the show as Hollingsworth prepares to showcase these dishes at a chain food festival. Keep reading for more details on this sizzling hot special and how to watch all of the episodes for free!
Who is chef Tim Hollingsworth?
Hollingsworth is an award-winning chef and co-owner of Chain, an LA restaurant focused on nostalgic fast food. He’s previously served as the chef de cuisine (executive chef) at the three-Michelin star restaurant French Laundry and has won awards like James Beard Foundation's Rising Chef of the Year Award in 2010. His expertise in fine dining will be put to the test as it turns chain restaurant staples into gourmet wonders in Chain Food: All-Star Dishes.
The premise of 'Chain Food: All-Star Dishes'
In the special's trailer, Hollingsworth explains why he chose to tackle dishes from popular restaurants. “There's no food more well-known or beloved than chain food,” he says. “These dishes are the fabric of American cuisine.”
Novak, who also owns Chain, expressed similar sentiments when the special was first announced in January. “We love chains," he notes. "And it’s not just their playful trademarked dishes or silly mascots that we love, it’s that they have deep emotional resonance with hundreds of millions of people, across generations, across backgrounds. It’s some of the most beloved and delicious IP there is.”
With this in mind, Hollingsworth works to put his twist on eight dishes from restaurant chains. All of the dishes, ranging from mini tacos to mushroom and truffle pizza, are then served to a foodie crowd of thousands at ChainFest, the world’s first chain food festival founded by Hollingsworth and Novak.
Below is a list of the restaurants that will get the gourmet treatment in the show.
Chili’s
Red Robin
Panda Express
Jack in the Box
Sonic
Pizza Hut
Pepsi
Dunkin’
Celebrity appearances in this special
The mouthwatering dishes aren’t the only reason to tune in. Hollingsworth invites his celebrity friends including Teigen and her husband John Legend, actor Josh Peck and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Crystal Kung Minkoff. It's a star-studded show that’s sure to reignite your love for these chain restaurant classics!
How to watch Chain Food: All-Star Dishes
The newly released special is available to stream for free on The Roku Channel. David Eilenberg, head of content at Roku Media, notes that viewers are in for a treat with the channel's very first project with Chain. “The Chain team has brilliantly curated the ultimate foodie experience that is as new and exciting as it is emotive and nostalgic for both diners and the brands it highlights,” he says.
Ready to excite your taste buds? Get a glimpse of what this special has to offer by watching the trailer below!
For more food and TV mashups, read these stories!
Our 8 Favorite ‘Yellowstone’ Inspired Recipes for the Ultimate Cowboy Feast
Sandra Lee Dishes on Her Thrilling New Cooking Show, ‘Dinner Budget Showdown’
10 Bridgerton-Inspired Recipes That Will Make Your Watch Party Deliciously Fun
