In 1985, Christian de Berdouare, also known as the Chief Chickenologist, with a few thousand dollars in his pocket, left his native France and moved to the USA in quest of the American dream. After 35 years of perseverance, dedication, hard work and multiple setbacks, he went on to open 25 locations in two States, Florida and Texas. It all started in the fall of 1985, when Chicken Kitchen^® opened its first store in New York City, at the corner of 62 street and Second Avenue, in a tiny 300 square foot location, selling marinated grilled chicken and a few freshly prepared side orders. What made Chicken Kitchen^® different in those early days, when fast food restaurants only sold fried food or greasy hamburgers, was the fact that it was the only concept in Manhattan selling freshly grilled, tender, juicy and delicious chicken in an open kitchen setting. While walking on Second Avenue, you could smell the captivating aroma of grilled chicken and Greek oregano from a mile away, and as customers approached the store, they were mesmerized by the dozens of chickens grilling behind the front glass window, facing the street. Soon, the word spread and the toughest consumers in the world, New Yorkers, lined up a bloc outside the store to buy great tasting food and generous portions at prices that everyone could afford… a rarity in New York. That’s how it all started!