Dave's Hot Chicken, a fast-growing fried chicken chain founded by four childhood friends who started the business with $900 in a parking lot less than a decade ago, has been acquired by Roark Capital in a deal valued at $1 billion. Among the beneficiaries of the sale are a former standup comedian and line cook, rapper Drake, and the son of an oil billionaire. In related food industry news, Bojangles, known for its fried chicken and biscuits, is reportedly exploring a sale that could exceed $1.5 billion. Additionally, Apollo Global Management, along with a Qatari investment fund, has made a bid to take Papa John's private in a deal valued at around $2 billion. The bid, reportedly in the low $60s per share range, led to a trading halt of Papa John's stock at $50.90. Apollo's strategy for Papa John's includes optimizing the supply chain, acquiring regional pizza chains, and potentially exiting the investment through a sale to Domino's within three years.