Former NFL wide receiver and Hall of Famer Randy Moss, celebrated for his electrifying career on the football field, has made a significant foray into the culinary world as a prominent partner in Crisppi’s Chicken. His latest venture sees the Miami-based fried chicken restaurant expanding its footprint, most notably with a new franchise location on Biscayne Boulevard and a strategic partnership with the Miami Dolphins, offering fans a taste of his entrepreneurial spirit at Hard Rock Stadium. [2, 3, 5]
Moss’s transition from catching touchdowns to serving up crispy chicken sandwiches is more than just a celebrity endorsement; it marks a dedicated pivot into business, fueled by a passion for quality food and community engagement. At the grand opening of the Miami franchise on July 11, 2025, the Pro Football Hall of Famer was personally on hand, greeting customers, signing autographs, and even distributing the first orders, demonstrating his hands-on commitment to this new chapter. [2, 5]
The Genesis of Crisppi’s Chicken
Crisppi’s Chicken began its journey as ‘Chick-A-Boom’ in Philadelphia in 2019, initially operating as a food truck. [11, 15, 17] Founded by Brittany Tolliferreo and her husband Kirk Hightower, the brand quickly gained a following for its distinctive fried chicken offerings. [15, 16] Randy Moss discovered the emerging brand in November 2022 after engaging with a sponsored Instagram post. Impressed by the food and aligning with Tolliferreo’s vision, Moss invested in the company in early 2023, becoming a pivotal partner. [12, 15, 16] The company later rebranded to Crisppi’s Chicken in December 2023. [17, 26]
Before its Miami debut, Crisppi’s had already established a presence with a drive-thru location in Philadelphia and the first Crisppi’s Chicken restaurant opening in Huntington, West Virginia – Moss’s home state – in December 2023. [11, 15, 17, 25] Moss expressed a desire to bring the brand back to his roots, stating, “Before I take it anywhere else, I wanted to bring it back home. I want to better my people here before I better someone else.” [17]
A Menu Beyond the Ordinary
Crisppi’s Chicken distinguishes itself with a menu that goes beyond conventional fried chicken. The core offering features generously sized fried chicken sandwiches served on toasted brioche buns, boasting a variety of “bold Southern-inspired flavors” and sauces such as mango habanero, sweet Thai chili (a Moss favorite), honey garlic parmesan, buffalo, jalapeño honey, and a signature Crisppi’s Secret Sauce. [2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 18]
Beyond sandwiches, the menu includes crispy chicken tenders, wings, and nuggets. A standout offering that has generated significant buzz is the innovative take on chicken and waffles, featuring playful toppings like Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Strawberry Cream, Peaches Cream, and Banana Nut. [2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13] The restaurant also caters to diverse tastes with side dishes like golden crinkle-cut fries and even a vegetarian option, the Mushroom Crisppi Portobello Sandwich. [7, 9]
Strategic Partnerships and Community Impact
The Miami expansion is further bolstered by a significant five-year partnership with the Miami Dolphins. Crisppi’s Chicken will operate two concession stands within Hard Rock Stadium, specifically in suites 102 and 329, throughout the upcoming NFL season. [2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 14] Danielle Pierce, the Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium Vice President of Partnership Development, emphasized that this collaboration aims to “enhance our game day experience” and deliver “quality fried chicken to our lineup of outstanding food and beverage options.” [2]
For Moss, who has been a Florida resident for nearly 25 years, this partnership extends beyond business, embodying a commitment to the South Florida community that he now calls home. [14] Crisppi’s founder Brittany Tolliferreo also champions community philanthropy, and Moss’s involvement is expected to amplify these efforts, providing meals and resources to local institutions. [4] This blend of entrepreneurship and social responsibility resonates with Moss’s broader vision for the brand. [8]
Randy Moss: Entrepreneurial Spirit and Personal Resilience
Moss’s journey into the restaurant industry is part of a growing trend among former athletes who leverage their personal brands and business acumen to build sustainable ventures post-retirement. [5] He views Crisppi’s Chicken as his “next adventure,” crediting his success to the relationships he has cultivated over time and emphasizing the importance of planning for life after football. [2, 4, 10]
His foray into the food industry is not his first entrepreneurial endeavor; Moss has previously invested in diverse businesses such as barbershops and juice bars under Randy Moss Enterprises Inc., alongside his current role as an ESPN analyst. [10, 15] This venture also highlights Moss’s personal resilience; the grand opening in Miami was delayed for several months as he recovered from a battle with bile duct cancer. “We could push the grand opening back a few months until I was able to physically come and show my face,” Moss stated, confirming his health is now “great.” [14]
Future Horizons
With successful launches in Philadelphia, West Virginia, and now Miami, Crisppi’s Chicken harbors ambitious plans for future expansion. Moss has expressed visions of opening locations in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he currently resides, as well as in other Southern states. [16] Furthermore, there have been discussions about extending the brand’s reach internationally, with potential expansion into the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica and Trinidad. [6, 16]
The burgeoning success of Crisppi’s Chicken, propelled by its innovative menu, strategic partnerships, and the dedicated involvement of Randy Moss, positions it not just as a new player in the competitive fried chicken market, but as a dynamic brand with a compelling story of athletic legacy meeting culinary ambition. [18, 21, 23]
