"Chkn-Box, a casual fast food spot from WGCI DJ Mike P, opened in late January at 400 S. Financial Place near the CTA’s El stop at LaSalle/Van Buren, according to the Tribune. Patrons can expect a tight menu of chicken tenders with fries as well as several sauce and seasoning options (think spicy Buffalo, lemon pepper, and mild sauce). It’s all conveniently served in a shoebox — a historical practice for some Black Americans, who during the Jim Crow era were barred from train dining cars and often faced overt bigotry from restaurant owners when they traveled. Their solution was the shoebox lunch, an affordable meal cooked and packed at home, ready and waiting when hunger struck." - Naomi Waxman
