Fuku, the fast-casual chain founded by celebrity chef David Chang, has struck a deal to serve its spicy chicken sandwiches at Yankee Stadium and additional institutions where contractor Legends Hospitality provides foodservice.
The sandwiches, along with Fuku’s chicken tenders and waffle fries, will be sold in one section of the stadium. The finger foods will also be offered on the landmark sports facility’s suites catering menu.
“Fuku is an authentic New York brand that’s rooted in culture and community, and we’re proud to be teaming up with one of the city’s most respected sports franchises,” Claudia Lezcano, Fuku’s CEO, said in a prepared announcement of the deal.
The brand is part of the investment portfolio of RSE Ventures, a private equity firm that also holds investments in Chang’s upscale Momofuku group, &pizza, Magnolia Bakery and Bluestone Lane, a coffee concept from Australia.
Legends, whose founders and early leaders included former Pizza Hut President and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, specializes in management of sports-arena foodservice operations. Its clients include the Dallas Cowboys, Wimbledon, the Los Angeles Angels and a number of professional soccer teams.
Fuku was an early example of fine-dining chefs pivoting into the fast-casual market a few decades ago because of the favorable business model that segment offers.
Chang has always had a connection to sports. His family had hoped that his skill as a young golfer would propel him into a pro career in that sport, but he opted to become a chef instead.