Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Manzano.
Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My family started Cluckerz Chicken in 2023 after working for the founders of Huey Magoo’s at the company’s first drive-thru location. My family was considering opening a franchise with them, but my mother suggested that since I had over 20 years of experience, we should start our own brand instead. That is how Cluckerz Chicken came about. We specialize in hand-breaded chicken tenders and wings, coated in our house-made seasoned flour and paired with our signature dipping sauces.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I definitely would not say its been a smooth road, but like anything in life, you get what out, what you put in. When we started out I would set up the food truck at Tractor Supply in Oakland or anywhere that would let me for the day. We barely made enough to pay for the business expenses the first few.months. I was already a member of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and utilized my membership with them and networked, and constantly marketed through social media. Now we are event based. My girlfriend Sarah Pickett is instrumental in helping run the day to day operations and im thankful that she was able to come aboard full time and help grow the business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Founded in 2023, Cluckerz Chicken was born from over two decades of industry experience. After working with the founders of Huey Magoo’s at their flagship drive-thru location, my family considered franchising. However, at my mother’s suggestion, we decided to leverage my 20+ years of experience to launch an independent brand. We specialize in hand-breaded chicken tenders and wings, featuring our proprietary seasoned flour and signature dipping sauces.
We donate back a percentage of sales to schools, churches and other non profits.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the culinary scene in Orlando. We are lucky to have everything from
Michelin star chefs to amazing mom and pop restaurants. I would love to start a podcast one day and cover Orlando’s food truck scene. There are a lot of amazing people serving some great food out there in the streets.
The one thing that drives me crazy about Orlando would be the infrastructure isn’t keeping up with the development especially in West Orange area.
Pricing:
- $10 – $15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Cluckerzchicken.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cluckerzchicken?igsh=YzYxdjFjcnlsa3N6
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AV37nurwZ/
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/cluckerz-chicken-orlando
Image Credits
Jason Cannon
Cannonfire Photography
