Brett Gomez has been running Mini Hut for five months, and the lines are often out the door.
The Garfield Ridge chicken restaurant, at 6659 W. Archer Ave., Chicago, which closed in 2022 after the owner’s death, reopened under Gomez’s leadership with a mission to recapture what made it a neighborhood institution. The gamble is paying off. Customers from Naperville, Downers Grove, Plainfield, and Bolingbrook now make the trip regularly. Some drive back from Indiana just for the chicken.
“It’s very busy and I’m very blessed,” Gomez said.
Gomez grew up in the restaurant business. His father owned a couple of delis downtown, and Gomez worked his way through Popeye’s and other fast-food chains before deciding to launch his own operation.
When Mini Hut’s longtime owner passed away, Gomez saw an opportunity. He tracked down former employees — including Steve and Donnie — who helped him recover the restaurant’s closely guarded breading and marinating recipes.
“We had several taste tests over the months, and we finally got it down perfect,” Gomez said. “We knew we had to do it.”
The chicken remains the star. Gomez calls it “the best around in Chicago.” But the menu has depth. Vienna hot dogs, homemade Italian beef, and burgers from a local butcher round out the offerings. Everything is fresh, never frozen.
Gomez also refreshed the space. The old bar counter came out. New lighting and décor brightened the dining room, creating what he calls “a more friendly vibe.” Three tables now accommodate families stopping by after baseball games or neighborhood walks.
The response has been overwhelming. When Mini Hut first reopened, customers waited four hours. Weekend waits continue.
Gomez keeps prices modest, focusing on serving the community rather than maximizing profit.
“Prices are jumping now,” he said. “To feed a family of five, it’s really expensive, so we’re trying not to focus much on the profit. We’re here to serve the community and deliver the best product every day.”
Mini Hut is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Gomez recommends calling ahead for chicken orders, which take 15 to 20 minutes since everything is cooked fresh. The restaurant also handles catering orders and delivers for those jobs.
Gomez believes Mini Hut’s potential extends beyond the neighborhood.
“We have a secret recipe, a proven recipe, and I think that this thing can go national one day,” he said.
To order ahead, call 773-306-0245.