Guy Fieri's Chicken Guy! restaurant to hatch in Livonia on April 1
LIVONIA, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - That's right. Food Network star, chef, and restauranteur Guy Fieri has teamed up with a Michigan-based company to bring his fast-casual chicken concept to the Mitten state.
Fieri's Chicken Guy! is set to open its first location in Michigan on April 1 in Livonia -- and that's no joke.
The Mayor of Flavortown partnered with the Tomey Group, a family-run company headquartered in Farmington Hills, to bring his growing concept to Livonia, with plans for 19 other locations scattered across Southeast Michigan in the coming years.
The Livonia restaurant will be on the north side of Plymouth Road, between Merriman and Middlebelt roads. Livonia will be the chain's eighth location nationwide.
"We wanted to open it up in markets and areas that we really have a connection with, and I love Michigan. It's been great for Triple D (Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives), a great epicenter for us because you have people all about their country, their family, great food, all about diversity and ethnicity in food. You really have a lion's share of great food," said Fieri.
Chicken Guy! was inspired by Fieri and fellow restaurateur Robert Earl. If you're wondering what led to the jump into the chicken game under the Flavortown umbrella, Fieri says Earl simply convinced him the future was chicken.
"It was like, let's get in this game. Let's make the best fried chicken; let's make dynamite scratch-made sauces. Let's do everything we're going to - let's do it to the next level," Fieri said.
According to a press release, patrons can expect a spread of Fieri's fan favorites, including some of his signature sandwiches, chicken tender combos, salad bowls, and an extensive selection of special sauces. Fieri's tenders are hand-pounded to maximize crunch and are brined in lemon juice, pickle brine, buttermilk, and infused with herbs to deliver flavor and texture.
Guests can expect some tantalizing sides, including fries featuring Fieri's special seasoning, Mac Daddy Mac 'n Cheese, fried pickles, slaw, and a pair of desserts for those with a sweet tooth.
Fieri says people can look forward to a lot more than just the food.
"It's a great staff. We're into having a good time, and the Tomey Group knows about running restaurants, and they've been doing a great job with it there," Fieri explained. "The idea is to let the food speak for itself, give you a good price, fast service, and a clean, beautiful restaurant."
For more information on the upcoming Livonia location or to peruse the full menu, click here.