Kristie Wilson has brought the flavor of fried chicken back to Tioga with the opening of Chicken & Co. Located at 17467 Route 287, the restaurant opened its doors last September in the space previously occupied by Florida Fryed Chicken, which had been closed for over three years.
Wilson, who has a wealth of experience in catering and franchise restaurant management, saw the opportunity to take over the vacant building and bring her dream of running a restaurant to life. “We always ate at Florida Fryed Chicken and we missed it,” she shared. “With my background in retail and hospitality, it’s always been my dream to have a restaurant.”
With the help of her mother, Nancy Kemp, Wilson has retained a similar concept to the former restaurant but with a few new twists.
What’s on the Menu at Chicken & Co.?
While keeping much of the original menu, Chicken & Co. has added several delicious changes. In addition to the familiar fried chicken, the restaurant now offers rotisserie chicken, marinated to achieve a rich, deep flavor with a dark color that makes it stand out. Wilson has also revamped the fried chicken batter, making it lighter and crispier.
“Our rotisserie chicken is new, but it’s kind of 50/50 as to which one people prefer,” said Wilson. The restaurant offers a variety of homemade sides, such as broccoli salad (a family recipe from Wilson’s great-grandmother), sweet potatoes (from her mom), and mac and cheese (Wilson’s own creation).
On Fridays, Chicken & Co. serves a Yuengling-battered fish fry, available in two sizes, along with a special option that pairs fish with shrimp.
A Cozy, Hometown Vibe
The restaurant has been completely remodeled, featuring a cozy ambiance with a fireplace, large-screen TV for special events, and a modern color scheme. The bathrooms have also been redone, and the entire renovation process took about three months.
To give the restaurant a personal touch, Wilson and Kemp decorated the space with old photos and artwork of Tioga County, reflecting their hometown roots. “We wanted to make this place feel like it belonged here,” Wilson said.
Affordable Comfort Food
At Chicken & Co., the cost of most individual meals is well under $10, including the fish fries offered on Fridays. Wilson emphasized the importance of affordability, especially with rising costs. “We wanted a place that’s affordable and clean,” she explained. “We know we’re competing with people remembering Florida Fryed Chicken. Some people expect us to be them, and we’re not. We’re our own thing. We just want to have a chance.”
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
Whether you’re craving crispy fried chicken or a flavorful rotisserie meal, Chicken & Co. in Tioga is sure to hit the spot!
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