Fried chicken is more than just a meal; it’s comfort food. It’s crunchy, juicy, and brings back good memories. And now there’s a new place everyone’s talking about: Fry the Coop. They’re serving up bold flavors and serious heat, and people are loving it.

We’ve been watching food trends and restaurant stories for a while, and when something stands out, you notice it. Fry the Coop isn’t just another fried chicken place. They’re building a brand and a loyal fan base. They focus on quality, community, and doing things right every time. It’s no wonder people are talking about them everywhere.

In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of Fry the Coop, their unique approach, and why it may just be the next big name in the fried chicken industry. Whether you're a foodie, franchise investor, or restaurant operator, there’s something valuable to learn from their strategy and execution.

How Did Fry the Coop Start?

Joe Fontana didn’t grow up in a family that owned restaurants. But when he got his first job in food service, he really enjoyed it. When he was 16, he worked for a company that had about 200 places in Chicago. They sent him to different locations around the city, and he got to learn a lot about the food business. He was just a teenager, but he loved the fast pace and energy of the job.

“I loved the whole vibe. It was like the happy time for everybody. Totally.”

That early experience left a mark. It wasn’t just about the food, it was the buzz, the smiles, the rush of lunch hour, and the instant gratification of serving people. Joe loved that feeling.

Fast forward a few years, and Joe was working as a bartender and managing a local bar. He loved serving people, seeing their smiles right away. But then, at 28, his mom called him and asked, “Are you just gonna bartend the rest of your life? You gonna be a loser?”

That hit him. Joe was making money, sure—but he wasn’t building something he loved. So, he got a “real job,” putting on a suit and tie, working in offices for six years. But he hated it. It didn’t feel right.

“I wasn’t selling anything I believed in. I wasn’t passionate about the work. It just bothered me.”

When his wife got pregnant, the pressure was on. Joe knew he had to do something different, something he truly cared about.

Then came the breakthrough. Joe traveled to California and drove past fancy houses on the hills. But what really stuck with him was a trip to Nashville, where he discovered the magic of hot chicken—the perfect mix of heat, crunch, and flavor.

He saw the chance to bring that same experience to Chicago, where it wasn’t as common yet.

In 2017, with little more than a dream and determination, Joe opened the first Fry the Coop in Oak Lawn, Illinois. No big investors. No franchise backing. Just Joe, a small team, and a seriously good spicy fried chicken sandwich.

It quickly caught on.

Joe’s time working in restaurants and bars taught him a lot about how to run a great food business. He learned how to make a place where people feel welcome and want to come back.

Today, Joe is in charge of Fry the Coop and is focused on growing the brand the right way. He works hard to keep the same great taste, quality, and fun atmosphere that made it popular in the first place. His hands-on style helps Fry the Coop stand out from the competition.

Why Fry the Coop Is Poised to Be the Next Big Name in Fried Chicken

Fry the Coop is a fried chicken restaurant experiencing rapid growth and popularity, especially in the Chicagoland area. Their focus on Nashville Hot Chicken and unique sandwich combinations, like those with donuts as buns, has captured attention and positive reviews. The restaurant’s high volume of customers in its early months, along with ambitious expansion plans, suggests it’s on track to become a major player in the fried chicken world.

• Nashville Hot Chicken Focus

Fry the Coop serves Nashville Hot Chicken, a popular type of fried chicken that is spicy, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. People love the strong flavor and the way it tastes.

What makes Fry the Coop special is that they let you choose how spicy you want your food. You can pick mild, medium, hot, or extra hot. This means everyone can enjoy it, whether you like just a little spice or a lot of heat.

By offering this kind of chicken in a fun and easy way, Fry the Coop gives more people the chance to try a bold Southern flavor.

More: What’s New in Take-Out Packaging? Food Packaging Trends That Matter in 2025 and Beyond

• Unique Sandwiches

Fry the Coop doesn’t just serve regular fried chicken. Their menu has fun and different ideas that make them stand out. One example is their sandwiches that use donuts instead of buns. It’s a unique and tasty choice that gets people talking and sharing online.

These creative ideas show that Fry the Coop wants to keep things fresh and exciting. They’re not just serving food, they’re giving people something new to enjoy.

• Branding and Marketing That Feels Personal

At Fry the Coop, the brand isn’t just about chicken; it’s also about happiness. Joe Fontana, the founder, puts it best: “We always say, come get your happiness.” That mission drives everything they do, from customer service to content. Joe’s passion for making people smile shows up in their social media strategy, too. They aim to give people the same joy from a funny video as they do from a bite of chicken.

• Positive Reviews

You don’t have to take my word for it. Platforms like Facebook, Google, and Yelp are flooded with positive feedback praising Fry the Coop’s chicken quality, packaging, flavor, and overall dining experience.

Customers often mention the perfect balance of heat and crunch, the friendly service, and the welcoming atmosphere. These glowing reviews build trust and credibility, critical factors for any restaurant aiming to scale and maintain a loyal customer base.

• Rapid Growth

In its early months, Fry the Coop was already serving thousands of customers weekly. That kind of volume in such a short time is a strong signal of market demand.

Expanding quickly while maintaining quality is no small feat. But Fry the Coop has managed it, proving its operational efficiency and scalability. This rapid growth makes it attractive not only to hungry diners but also to investors and franchise partners.

• Ambition and Expansion

Fry the Coop isn’t resting on its early success. The brand has ambitious plans for expansion, aiming to open more locations and enter new markets beyond Chicago.

With a solid foundation, clear vision, and growing customer demand, Fry the Coop is gearing up to become a bigger name nationally. Their strategic growth plans demonstrate confidence and a clear roadmap for scaling without sacrificing the qualities that made them a hit.

Behind the Scenes: Our Exclusive Interview with Fry the Coop’s CEO

To understand what truly sets Fry the Coop apart, we spoke directly with Joe Fontana on our Podcast, the founder and CEO, who has turned a simple hot chicken concept into a cult favorite with over nine locations, and big plans for expansion.

Joe’s story is as bold as his chicken recipes. Here’s what he shared:

• The beef tallow secret: Using beef tallow gives their fried chicken a crispy texture and rich flavor that keeps customers coming back.

• Packaging as part of the experience: Joe explained how custom packaging isn’t just about keeping food fresh; it plays a key role in the overall brand story and customer satisfaction.

• Creating a unique brand voice: From social media to in-store atmosphere, Joe’s focus on authenticity and bold messaging helps Fry the Coop stand out in a competitive market.

• Navigating supply chain challenges: Like many small businesses, Fry the Coop has faced obstacles, but resilience and creative solutions helped them overcome tough times.

• A happiness guarantee: Joe personally guarantees customer satisfaction or your money back, building trust and loyalty with every meal.

If you’re interested in how strong brands grow, how packaging can enhance your business, or just want to hear a compelling story behind great fried chicken, Joe’s insights are well worth a listen.

Ready to Take Your Food Business to the Next Level?

If Fry the Coop’s story shows us anything, it’s that passion, quality, and smart growth can turn a simple idea into a big success. Whether you’re running a restaurant, a food truck, or selling food products, having the right suppliers and partners behind you makes all the difference.

At SupplyCaddy, we specialize in custom food packaging designed to fit your brand’s style and keep your products fresh and secure. Whether you need takeout boxes, bags, or containers with your logo, we help restaurants and food businesses get exactly what they need — fast, affordable, and hassle-free.

Want to learn how we can support your business growth? Contact us at hello@supplycaddy.com for general questions or supplier@supplycaddy.com.

Let’s work together to make your food business the next big thing!