Fried Chicken Chain Hits Miami
A famed fried chicken chain is opening its first Florida outpost in Miami, promising to bring its cult-favorite crispy chicken to a new audience. The expansion marks a significant move into the competitive South Florida restaurant market.
The incoming restaurant is Fuku, from chef David Chang. It originated as a secret menu item at Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City before its popularity led to the opening of a standalone East Village location in 2015. The brand is known for its spicy fried chicken sandwich, the "OG Sando," which developed a cult following among New Yorkers. Fuku's menu blends Asian and Southern American flavors, with sandwiches served on butter-toasted potato rolls and other options like the Sweet & Spicy Sando with pickled daikon. The new 2,000-square-foot restaurant is located at 135 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables and is slated to open on Wednesday, March 11. This will be Fuku's first permanent standalone location in South Florida, joining 15 other locations primarily in stadiums and arenas nationwide. Fuku enters a bustling Miami fried chicken scene that has recently seen the arrival of another cult-favorite, Raising Cane's. The market also includes local Caribbean-inspired chains like Pollo Tropical and beloved grocery store fried chicken from Publix. A second Fuku location is already planned for West Palm Beach later in the year, indicating the brand's confidence in the regional market. For the grand opening in Coral Gables, the first 135 guests will receive a limited-edition gift bag that includes merchandise and products from Momofuku and Milk Bar.
