Kennedy Fried Chicken
Encyclopedia
Kennedy Fried Chicken, also known as Crown Fried Chicken, is a common restaurant
name primarily in the New York-New Jersey
area, but many other similar establishments are found in nearby smaller cities or towns along the Northeastern United States
. Although Kennedy Fried Chicken is a small and unorganized company, it is playing rivalry with Kentucky Fried Chicken
(KFC
) in the inner city
neighborhoods of several states along the East Coast of the United States
. A number of them also exist in the West Coast of the United States
, primarily in the state of California
.
in the Flatbush
section of Brooklyn
. There is a dispute among the people involved in the business over who is the actual founder. Some claim that it is Abdul Karim while others say Taeb Zia was the early founder. Zia, an Afghan immigrant
originally from Kabul
, Afghanistan
, is known by some as Zia Chicken and is regarded as the father of Kennedy Fried Chicken. He immigrated to the United States in 1972 and began working at a fast food restaurant
by the name of Kansas Fried Chicken, which was owned by Afro-Americans at the time. Prior to that he was studying engineering in Baku
, Azerbaijan
. After spending about three years learning how to run a fast food business, he decided to open his own fried chicken restaurant.
Kennedy Fried Chicken was named after U.S. President
John F. Kennedy
, "because Afghans
are fond of the former president." During the 1980s and 90s, many of the same restaurants have opened across New York, New Jersey
, Massachusetts
, Pennsylvania
, Maryland
and several other states. Some of them even opened in the West Coast, in California
. Their total number is roughly estimated to be approximately 1,000.
For the most part the restaurants share the same concept, if not the same menus. In addition to fried chicken
, they also offer fried fish
, hot wings, short ribs
, shrimp
, burgers
, pizza
, beef patties
on coco bread
, all sorts of sandwiches and heroes, fries
, corn on the cob
, mashed potatoes, onion rings
, sweet potato pie
s and a variety flavors of ice cream
for dessert.
Food at many of the inner-city restaurants is served from behind bulletproof glass
. Its specialties are the deep-fried chicken (described as "not too dry or too soggy"). Given its inner-city roots, chicken and food is quite often ordered a la carte
. The menu provided with takeout and delivery orders does not include all the restaurant's offerings, which are usually posted on its walls with accompanying large color photographs of the actual items.
The restaurants are traditionally owned and operated mostly by Afghan American
s but are not formally connected, although their menus and prices are similar. This lack of centralized control has posed huge problems for KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
in New York. Since the 1990s, Kentucky Fried Chicken has tried to enforce trademark
rules against the restaurants, which often use the "KFC" abbreviation and have been known to decorate their restaurants in red and white colors, similar to that of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Due to the tendency of these restaurants to appear in inner-city locations, Kennedy Fried Chicken is often referred to as "ghetto
chicken" by its customers in a humorous or derogatory manner.
The Kennedy Chicken restaurants have worked their way into New York restaurant lore in much the same manner as Ray's Pizza
, which is also a collection of restaurants under the same name but not the same control. The cat-and-mouse game with KFC has resulted in some restaurants changing their names or using blue color instead of red. The following is a partial list of restaurants believed to be affiliated with Kennedy Fried Chicken or to have previously used the Kennedy name:
In 2008, a Crown Fried Chicken in Harlem, New York changed its name to "Obama Fried Chicken" in honor of the election of President Barack Obama
. However, the restaurant was closed in October of 2010 due to health code violations. http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2010/10/health_department_shuts_down_o.html
In August 2011, authorities in downtrodden Binghamton, N.Y., moved to shutter the local Kennedy Fried Chicken eatery, on the grounds that it's a haven for "criminal activity and neighborhood disturbances." The chicken joint is popular both with locals and Binghamton University students jonesing for a late-night snack. But it's also apparently popular with troublemakers, authorities allege, including for fights and open-container violations. The restaurant, which serves low-priced fried chicken and assorted fast food from behind possibly bullet-proof glass, is open until 4 a.m. (http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20110815/NEWS01/108150349/Kennedy-Fried-Chicken-faces-city-lockdown?odyssey=nav|head)
in New York City, received a trademark for his unwritten recipe for Kennedy Fried Chicken. He has been attempting to enforce the trademark against other restaurants with mixed results.
Restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment which prepares and serves food and drink to customers in return for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
name primarily in the New York-New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
area, but many other similar establishments are found in nearby smaller cities or towns along the Northeastern United States
Northeastern United States
The Northeastern United States is a region of the United States as defined by the United States Census Bureau.-Composition:The region comprises nine states: the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont; and the Mid-Atlantic states of New...
. Although Kennedy Fried Chicken is a small and unorganized company, it is playing rivalry with Kentucky Fried Chicken
KFC
KFC, founded and also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a chain of fast food restaurants based in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States. KFC has been a brand and operating segment, termed a concept of Yum! Brands since 1997 when that company was spun off from PepsiCo as Tricon Global...
(KFC
KFC
KFC, founded and also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a chain of fast food restaurants based in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States. KFC has been a brand and operating segment, termed a concept of Yum! Brands since 1997 when that company was spun off from PepsiCo as Tricon Global...
) in the inner city
Inner city
The inner city is the central area of a major city or metropolis. In the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland, the term is often applied to the lower-income residential districts in the city centre and nearby areas...
neighborhoods of several states along the East Coast of the United States
East Coast of the United States
The East Coast of the United States, also known as the Eastern Seaboard, refers to the easternmost coastal states in the United States, which touch the Atlantic Ocean and stretch up to Canada. The term includes the U.S...
. A number of them also exist in the West Coast of the United States
West Coast of the United States
West Coast or Pacific Coast are terms for the westernmost coastal states of the United States. The term most often refers to the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Although not part of the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii do border the Pacific Ocean but can't be included in...
, primarily in the state of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
History
Kennedy Fried Chicken was founded in 1975 with its first restaurant on Nostrand AvenueNostrand Avenue
Nostrand Avenue is a major street in Brooklyn, New York, that runs north from Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay to Flushing Avenue in Williamsburg, where it continues as Lee Avenue. From Flushing Avenue to Farragut Road, Nostrand Avenue is a two-lane street...
in the Flatbush
Flatbush
Flatbush or Flat Bush can refer to a number of places:*Flatbush, Brooklyn, a community of Brooklyn, New York City, United States*Flatbush, New Zealand, a suburb of Manukau City, New Zealand...
section of Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
. There is a dispute among the people involved in the business over who is the actual founder. Some claim that it is Abdul Karim while others say Taeb Zia was the early founder. Zia, an Afghan immigrant
Afghan American
An Afghan American refers to an American with heritage or origins in Afghanistan.-History and population:Afghan Americans have a long history of immigrating to the United States, as they may have arrived as early as the 1920s...
originally from Kabul
Kabul
Kabul , spelt Caubul in some classic literatures, is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. It is also the capital of the Kabul Province, located in the eastern section of Afghanistan...
, Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
, is known by some as Zia Chicken and is regarded as the father of Kennedy Fried Chicken. He immigrated to the United States in 1972 and began working at a fast food restaurant
Fast food restaurant
A fast food restaurant, also known as a Quick Service Restaurant or QSR within the industry itself, is a specific type of restaurant characterized both by its fast food cuisine and by minimal table service...
by the name of Kansas Fried Chicken, which was owned by Afro-Americans at the time. Prior to that he was studying engineering in Baku
Baku
Baku , sometimes spelled as Baki or Bakou, is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus region. It is located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, which projects into the Caspian Sea. The city consists of two principal...
, Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan , officially the Republic of Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to...
. After spending about three years learning how to run a fast food business, he decided to open his own fried chicken restaurant.
Kennedy Fried Chicken was named after U.S. President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
, "because Afghans
Demography of Afghanistan
The population of Afghanistan is around 29,835,392 as of the year 2011, which is unclear if the refugees living outside the country are included or not. The nation is composed of a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society, reflecting its location astride historic trade and invasion routes between...
are fond of the former president." During the 1980s and 90s, many of the same restaurants have opened across New York, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
and several other states. Some of them even opened in the West Coast, in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Their total number is roughly estimated to be approximately 1,000.
For the most part the restaurants share the same concept, if not the same menus. In addition to fried chicken
Fried chicken
Fried chicken is a dish consisting of chicken pieces usually from broiler chickens which have been floured or battered and then pan fried, deep fried, or pressure fried. The breading adds a crisp coating or crust to the exterior...
, they also offer fried fish
Fried fish
Fried fish refers to any fish that has been prepared by frying. Often, the fish is covered in batter, or flour, or herbs and spices before being fried.-Overview:Fish is fried in many parts of the world, and fried fish is an important food in many cuisines...
, hot wings, short ribs
Short ribs
Short ribs are a popular cut of beef. Beef short ribs are larger and usually more tender and meatier than their pork counterpart, pork spare ribs...
, shrimp
Shrimp
Shrimp are swimming, decapod crustaceans classified in the infraorder Caridea, found widely around the world in both fresh and salt water. Adult shrimp are filter feeding benthic animals living close to the bottom. They can live in schools and can swim rapidly backwards. Shrimp are an important...
, burgers
Burgers
-People:* Johannes Martinus Burgers, Dutch physicist, namesake of Burgers' equation and brother of W. G. Burgers* W. G. Burgers, Dutch crystallographer and brother of J. M...
, pizza
Pizza
Pizza is an oven-baked, flat, disc-shaped bread typically topped with a tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings.Originating in Italy, from the Neapolitan cuisine, the dish has become popular in many parts of the world. An establishment that makes and sells pizzas is called a "pizzeria"...
, beef patties
Jamaican patty
A Jamaican patty is a pastry that contains various fillings and spices baked inside a flaky shell, often tinted golden yellow with an egg yolk mixture or turmeric. It is made like a turnover but is more savory. As its name suggests, it is commonly found in Jamaica, and is also eaten in other areas...
on coco bread
Coco bread
Coco bread is eaten in Jamaica and other areas of the Caribbean. As the name suggests, the bread contains a bit of coconut milk. It is starchy and slightly sweet. It is often split in half and stuffed with a Jamaican patty to form a sandwich.-See also:...
, all sorts of sandwiches and heroes, fries
French fries
French fries , chips, fries, or French-fried potatoes are strips of deep-fried potato. North Americans tend to refer to any pieces of deep-fried potatoes as fries or French fries, while in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand, long, thinly cut slices of deep-fried potatoes are...
, corn on the cob
Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob is a culinary term used for a cooked ear of freshly picked maize from a cultivar of sweet corn. The ear is picked while the endosperm is in the "milk stage" so that the kernels are still tender...
, mashed potatoes, onion rings
Onion rings
Onion rings are a form of fast food commonly found in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and some parts of Asia. They generally consist of a cross-sectional "ring" of onion dipped in batter or breading and then deep fried; a variant is made with onion paste...
, sweet potato pie
Sweet potato pie
Sweet potato pie is a traditional side dish in the Southern United States. It is often served during the American holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving, and is similar in many ways to pumpkin pie...
s and a variety flavors of ice cream
Ice cream
Ice cream is a frozen dessert usually made from dairy products, such as milk and cream, and often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavours. Most varieties contain sugar, although some are made with other sweeteners...
for dessert.
Food at many of the inner-city restaurants is served from behind bulletproof glass
Bulletproof glass
Bulletproof glass is a type of strong but optically transparent material that is particularly resistant to being penetrated when struck by bullets, but is not completely impenetrable. It is usually made from a combination of two or more types of glass, one hard and one soft...
. Its specialties are the deep-fried chicken (described as "not too dry or too soggy"). Given its inner-city roots, chicken and food is quite often ordered a la carte
À la carte
À la carte is a French language loan phrase meaning "according to the menu", and used in* A reference to a menu of items priced and ordered separately, i.e. the usual operation of restaurants * To order an item from the menu on its own, e.g...
. The menu provided with takeout and delivery orders does not include all the restaurant's offerings, which are usually posted on its walls with accompanying large color photographs of the actual items.
The restaurants are traditionally owned and operated mostly by Afghan American
Afghan American
An Afghan American refers to an American with heritage or origins in Afghanistan.-History and population:Afghan Americans have a long history of immigrating to the United States, as they may have arrived as early as the 1920s...
s but are not formally connected, although their menus and prices are similar. This lack of centralized control has posed huge problems for KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
KFC
KFC, founded and also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a chain of fast food restaurants based in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States. KFC has been a brand and operating segment, termed a concept of Yum! Brands since 1997 when that company was spun off from PepsiCo as Tricon Global...
in New York. Since the 1990s, Kentucky Fried Chicken has tried to enforce trademark
Trademark
A trademark, trade mark, or trade-mark is a distinctive sign or indicator used by an individual, business organization, or other legal entity to identify that the products or services to consumers with which the trademark appears originate from a unique source, and to distinguish its products or...
rules against the restaurants, which often use the "KFC" abbreviation and have been known to decorate their restaurants in red and white colors, similar to that of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Due to the tendency of these restaurants to appear in inner-city locations, Kennedy Fried Chicken is often referred to as "ghetto
Ghetto
A ghetto is a section of a city predominantly occupied by a group who live there, especially because of social, economic, or legal issues.The term was originally used in Venice to describe the area where Jews were compelled to live. The term now refers to an overcrowded urban area often associated...
chicken" by its customers in a humorous or derogatory manner.
The Kennedy Chicken restaurants have worked their way into New York restaurant lore in much the same manner as Ray's Pizza
Ray's Pizza
Ray's Pizza, and its many variations such as "Ray's Original Pizza", "Famous Ray's Pizza", "World-Famous Original Ray's Pizza", etc, are the names of dozens of pizzerias in the New York City area that are generally completely independent but that may have similar menus, signs and...
, which is also a collection of restaurants under the same name but not the same control. The cat-and-mouse game with KFC has resulted in some restaurants changing their names or using blue color instead of red. The following is a partial list of restaurants believed to be affiliated with Kennedy Fried Chicken or to have previously used the Kennedy name:
- Crown Fried Chicken
- Royal Fried Chicken
- Mamma's Fried Chicken
- New York Fried Chicken
- Lincoln Fried Chicken
- Kansas Fried Chicken
- JFK Fried Chicken
- Palace Fried Chicken
- Texas Fried Chicken
- Florida Fried Chicken
- Georgia Fried Chicken
In 2008, a Crown Fried Chicken in Harlem, New York changed its name to "Obama Fried Chicken" in honor of the election of President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
. However, the restaurant was closed in October of 2010 due to health code violations. http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2010/10/health_department_shuts_down_o.html
In August 2011, authorities in downtrodden Binghamton, N.Y., moved to shutter the local Kennedy Fried Chicken eatery, on the grounds that it's a haven for "criminal activity and neighborhood disturbances." The chicken joint is popular both with locals and Binghamton University students jonesing for a late-night snack. But it's also apparently popular with troublemakers, authorities allege, including for fights and open-container violations. The restaurant, which serves low-priced fried chicken and assorted fast food from behind possibly bullet-proof glass, is open until 4 a.m. (http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20110815/NEWS01/108150349/Kennedy-Fried-Chicken-faces-city-lockdown?odyssey=nav|head)
Trademark controversy
In 2005 Abdul Haye, an Afghan immigrant since 1989 and a resident of Whitestone, QueensWhitestone, Queens
Whitestone is a residential neighborhood in the northernmost part of the City of New York borough of Queens. Located between the East River to the north and 25th Avenue to the south. Whitestone is surrounded by College Point, Flushing, Bayside, Auburndale, Linden Hill, and Murray Hill...
in New York City, received a trademark for his unwritten recipe for Kennedy Fried Chicken. He has been attempting to enforce the trademark against other restaurants with mixed results.