Craveworthy Brands, a collective of fast-casual restaurant chains, has acquired the majority interest in Dirty Dough, a Utah-based cookie chain, for an undisclosed amount.
With more than 55 locations, 10 food trucks, more than 40 shops under development and 450 franchises sold as of January 2024, Dirty Dough will now be the largest brand within Craveworthy's portfolio.
The chain is expected to double in size within the coming twelve months.
Founded by Bennett Maxwell in 2018, the cookie chain opened its first physical store in March 2020. It has since been embroiled in a legal battle with cookie chain Crumbl.
Often referred to as the "cookie wars", the dispute was over trademark infringement allegations concerning packaging and design.
The dispute was finally settled in the autumn of 2023. Details of the settlement remain confidential. The resolution of the dispute paved the way for Craveworthy to acquire Dirty Dough.
Craveworthy founder and CEO Gregg Majewski will assume the Dirty Dough CEO role.
Maxwell will maintain his position as chair of the board and is expected to transition into a role with Craveworthy Brands.
Dirty Dough's acquisition marks the 11th brand under the Craveworthy umbrella, which has been expanding since the end of 2022 with additions including Wing it On!, The Budlong Hot Chicken, Krafted Burger + Tap, and The Lucky Cat Poke Company.
Majewski was quoted by QSR Magazine as saying: “We are so excited to bring the Dirty Dough team into the Craveworthy family. As a platform company with our experience and capabilities, this deal is a perfect fit because this is what we do best.
“We super-charge amazing brands and give them what they need to thrive. Bennett and his team have grown very fast in a very short amount of time, which makes this the perfect point in their development trajectory for a partner like Craveworthy Brands.”
Craveworthy has set a goal to award 125 franchise locations by the end of 2024.
It also seeks to acquire more chains, open 17 corporate units and debut 60 virtual restaurant stations during the year. The platform projects $1bn in systemwide sales by 2028.
