Nanu's Hot Chicken Opening in Roxborough

Nanu's Hot Chicken will have its grand opening and cut the red ribbon for its location in Roxborough on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 6151 Ridge Avenue.

Nanu's Hot Chicken opening at 6151 Ridge Avenue in Roxborough on Friday, October 25th.Photo byNanu's Hot Chicken

Owners Ikram Rashid (who owns locations at Drexel and Chestnut Street) joins forces with two first-time Nanu's owners Dayem Pervaiz and Kashif Almas to bring the famous hot chicken sandwiches to Ridge Avenue. The trio will host a giant food giveaway with comp chicken and hot chicken meals (with fries) for hundreds of people starting at 4:00pm through 7:00pm, or while supplies last.

For the recent Bucks County location, they gave away food to nearly 600 people. Opening festivities will also include an opening ceremony with prizes, DJ and more. Roxborough Development Corporation will help with the celebration and host tables, vendors and music across the street in the Roxborough Pocket Park. New Ridge Brewing will pour beer specials outside for the party too.

Nanu's Hot Chicken menu items.Photo byNanu's Hot Chicken

The celebration will continue throughout the weekend with specials and deals for neighbors and residents. Nanu's in Roxborough is 1,800 square feet and seats 20 people for inside dining. Store hours will be Monday through Sunday, seven days a week, from 10:00am to 11:00pm.

Nanu’s was created by four brothers who had a dream to make real change happen in the world and who had a passion for helping those in need, including Nanu, who was born with Down Syndrome. Imran, Ikram, Haroon and Nanu Rashid created Nanu's in 2023 and opened their first location at 2210 Cottman Avenue in July of that year.

The brothers started the first location, then decided to expand the business, and began searching for partners. Muhammad Faisal was the first to join their team. Faisal now owns three locations - starting with 3301 Market Street aka Drexel University in Philadelphia, which opened in December 2023. He went on to open 4407 Chestnut Street in April 2024. Faisal now also owns the recently opened Bucks County location.

"Roxborough, we hope you are ready because we are bringing the heat!," said Rashid. "We have had so many requests for Nanu's around the Roxborough and Manayunk area. We found the perfect location on Ridge Avenue. We can't wait to welcome all of our neighbors and new friends. We also are excited to work with Roxborough Development Corporation and fellow businesses/ community groups to get involved in the community."

Nanu's has quickly grown to include nine locations throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, with a tenth on the way in a few weeks - stay tuned for details on another surprise location ready to open before the end of 2024.

At the grand opening of Nanu's in Roxborough on Friday, October 25th, there will be a ribbon cutting and outdoor party from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Fans of hot chicken will enjoy Nanu's favorites, including a Chicken Sandwich with fries, served with pickles, cheese, coleslaw and Nanu's special sauce. Customers will, of course, be able to order their chicken spicy or with no spice. Festivities will include giveaways, prizes and a DJ.

Also, Roxborough Development Corporation and fellow businesses are teaming up for a welcome celebration with dining tables, chairs, live music and vendors at the Roxborough Pocket Park across the street, and New Ridge Brewing will pour beer specials in the park too.

"Roxborough Development Corporation is thrilled to welcome Nanu Chicken to Ridge Avenue, a vibrant addition to our growing corridor," said Roxborough Development Corporation Executive Director Jacqueline Cusack. "Their arrival marks yet another exciting step in the growth of our business community, and we couldn't be more excited about the continued momentum and the positive impact it will bring to our corridor and neighbors."

Nanu's Hot Chicken Opening in Roxborough on Friday, October 25th.Photo byNanu's Hot Chicken

The location will offer take-out, delivery and dine-in. The dining room has seating for up to 20 people at colorful tables and chairs to complement the giant 270 degree art murals, the finished product is an Instagram-worthy backdrop with nods to Philadelphia which include shout-outs to Philadelphia and Philly iconography. Overhead, look for a solar system inspired ceiling because the food is out of this world!

Marilyn Johnson is an award-winning freelance food and travel news reporter who champions the food and drink scenes of the greater Mid-Atlantic region and occasionally beyond. She is a USAToday 10Best Food & Travel Expert, a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, and founder of So Good PR. Email Marilyn at phillygrub@gmail.com with food and travel news.