Fry the Coop
Fry the Coop is a Chicago-based fast-casual restaurant chain serving Nashville hot chicken. Founded by Joe Fontana, the brand is known for crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, chicken & waffles, and bold flavor.
The Story
Fry the Coop is a Chicago-based fast-casual restaurant chain built around Nashville hot chicken, a fiery fried-chicken specialty known for its bold heat and crispy crust. Founded and owned by Joe Fontana, the brand has grown from a single concept into one of the Midwest's fastest-expanding chicken restaurant groups.
Each restaurant uses halal-certified chicken fried in beef tallow for signature flavor and crispiness, and the menu centers on chicken sandwiches, tenders, chicken & waffles, waffle fries, and shakes. Fry the Coop is recognized for strong community appeal and rave customer reviews praising the intensity of its Nashville heat.
The brand has expanded to multiple locations across the Chicago area and suburbs, building a loyal following for its bold approach to Nashville hot chicken and commitment to quality ingredients.
Key Facts & Metrics
Products
Chicken and Cheese Sandwich
A delicious chicken and cheese sandwich from Fry the Coop, featuring their signature crispy chicken with melted cheese.
Chicken Tenders
Crispy chicken tenders, a classic menu item at Fry the Coop. Made with halal-certified chicken and fried in beef tallow for superior flavor.
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Crispy Nashville hot chicken sandwich, the signature offering from Fry the Coop. Made with halal-certified chicken fried in beef tallow for maximum flavor and crispiness.
Company Timeline
2017 — Fry the Coop launched
Joe Fontana founded Fry the Coop in Chicago, building a fast-casual brand around Nashville hot chicken.
2018 — Opened multiple Chicago-area locations
Expanded to multiple locations across Chicago and its suburbs.
2020 — Continued growth and community recognition
Fry the Coop continued expanding its footprint and earned strong customer loyalty for its bold Nashville hot chicken flavors.
