Fast Food Gets a Makeover in New Roku Special ‘Chain Food: All-Star Dishes’

When chain restaurant staples take a gourmet turn, expect a flavor combination made in heaven. The new Roku special Chain Food: star dishes Chef Tim Hollingsworth transforms eight iconic dishes from restaurants like Chili’s, Panda Express and Pizza Hut into high-end dishes. And he’s not alone: ​​celebrities like actor and writer BJ Novak and TV personality and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen appears on the show as Hollingsworth prepares to showcase these dishes at a chain food festival. Read on for more details on this sizzling special and how to watch every episode for free!

Who is Chef Tim Hollingsworth?

Hollingsworth is an award-winning chef and co-owner of Chain, a Los Angeles restaurant specializing in nostalgic fast food. He previously served as executive chef at the three-Michelin-starred French Laundry and has won awards including the James Beard Foundation’s Rising Chef of the Year in 2010. His culinary expertise will be put to the test as he transforms the chain’s staples into culinary marvels in Chain Food: star dishes.

The principle of “Chain Food: All-Star Dishes”

In the show’s trailer, Hollingsworth explains why he chose to tackle popular restaurant dishes. “There’s no food that’s more well-known or loved than chain food,” he says. “They’re the foundation of American cuisine.”

Novak, who also owns Chain, expressed similar sentiments when the special was first announced in January. “We love Chain,” he notes. “And it’s not just their fun branded dishes or silly mascots that we love, it’s their deep emotional resonance with hundreds of millions of people, across generations and walks of life. It’s one of the most beloved and delicious intellectual properties out there.”

With that in mind, Hollingsworth strives to put his own spin on eight chain restaurant dishes. All of the dishes, from mini tacos to mushroom and truffle pizza, are then served to thousands of foodies at ChainFest, the world’s first chain food festival founded by Hollingsworth and Novak.

Below is a list of restaurants that will get the gastronomic treatment on the show.

• Chili’s

• 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 her famous friends, including Teigen and her husband John Legend, actor Josh Peck and The 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: star dishes

The special will be available to stream for free on The Roku Channel on July 12. David Eilenberg, chief content officer at Roku Media, notes that viewers are in for a treat with the network’s first-ever project with Chain. “The team at Chain has brilliantly curated the ultimate dining experience that is as new and exciting as it is emotional and nostalgic for diners and the brands it showcases,” he says.

Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Get a sneak peek at what this special has to offer by watching the trailer below!

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