Melted cheese dripped off the fork as Sawyer Schweikert took another bite of her favorite meal: mac and cheese.
She’s nearly two years old and already has found her go-to dish at Mad Chicken, a new comfort food spot at 13037 LaGrange Road in Palos Park.
Mad Chicken hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Nov. 21. Owners Mahmoud “Moe” Ali and Nabil Mutlaq shared their enthusiasm for becoming part of the Palos Park community.
“It’s so beautiful and peaceful here in Palos Park,” Mutlaq said. “All of our customers have been extremely friendly.”
Mutlaq and his family, originally from Palestine and now living in Wisconsin, founded Mad Chicken to share their passion for quality food and provide healthier options in the food industry.
“Being born into Egyptian culture, food was the main thing that brought our family and friends together, and we wanted to bring that passion and home feel for our customers as well,” he said.
Mad Chicken prides itself on freshly prepared dishes made with natural ingredients. According to the owners, their breading is crafted with unprocessed items found in a typical pantry, and all chicken served is all-natural, never frozen, and free of hormones and antibiotics.
The franchise, which has its roots in
Wisconsin, also operates locations in states including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, and Florida. The Palos Park location, which opened Sept. 18, is the newest addition, with another store planned for 17120 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.
The menu features an array of chicken sandwiches, wings, bowls, meals, and wraps. But for Sawyer, the mac and cheese stole the spotlight.
“My favorite is the deep-fried Oreos,” Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters said. “I’ve only ever seen them at festivals in the city, and it’s amazing to have them right here in town.”
Milovich-Walters brought some deep-fried Oreos back to her office for colleagues after Thursday’s ceremony. Ali said he and Mutlaq were thrilled with the turnout, despite the snowy weather last week.
“We are very fortunate and very happy to be here,” Ali said.