Fry the Coop (Lincoln Park)

"Fry the Coop, a local chain specializing in Nashville hot chicken fried in beef tallow, is facing competition from Raising Cane's. Owner Joe Fontana expressed concerns on Instagram about the impact of a new Raising Cane's location on his business at 2404 N. Lincoln Avenue. Fontana founded Fry the Coop in 2017, with the Lincoln Park location opening in October 2023, offering affordable options for students at DePaul University and nearby Lincoln Park High School. Despite being a fan of neighborhood growth, Fontana is concerned about losing business to the national chain, which offers lower prices." - Ashok Selvam

"A forthcoming location of hot chicken hit Fry the Coop has passed inspections and is set to open Sunday, June 4 at 2404 N. Lincoln Avenue near DePaul University." - Naomi Waxman

"Fry the Coop, a fried chicken sandwich shop with seven locations, could not pay its 227 workers as scheduled on Friday, March 10, according to the chain’s owner. While the restaurant does not bank with Santa Clara, California-based Silicon Valley, its payroll company — Ohio-based Patriot Software — does." - Ashok Selvam

"Originally opening in a Bronzeville ghost kitchen last year, this fried chicken spot just moved into a new space in Lincoln Park where you can dine in or carryout. And you need to put Cluck-It on your list of places to try if you haven’t already. Order their “mother clucker” sandwich - it has a crunchy thigh, squishy brioche bun, and is topped with American cheese, spicy sauce, and pickles. They also have a great burger, and the desserts are another reason this place stands out - they make an incredible caramel banana pudding and a sweet and savory cornflake sandwich cookie filled with honey buttercream. You need one in your life - we promise." - adrian kane

"Cowch Burger Cluck It originally opened last summer as a delivery-only spot in Bronzeville. But after being closed for several months, the fried chicken spot just reopened in a brand new space in Lincoln Park. And while they still have great fried chicken, now they have a burger on their menu which is also really, really good. It’s juicy without being greasy, the brioche bun is perfectly toasted, and their “cowtch” sauce is a wonderfully tangy dijonaise. We also got a side of cheesy sports pepper waffle fries, and you should too. Just note, that while their new spot has a dining room, for now they’re just doing takeout and delivery." - adrian kane