KC chicken and waffle restaurant opening Johnson County spot in former sandwich shop

A beloved Kansas City chicken and waffle restaurant will soon open its newest location — its first in Johnson County.

Chick-In Waffle will servesweet and savory chicken and waffles, loaded fries, and ice cream shakes at 8667 W. 135th St. in Overland Park.

The restaurant plans to open in the former Penn Station East Coast Subs shop by the beginning of next year.

Penn Station closed earlier this year.

Chick-In Waffle first opened in 2020 at 431 Westport Road. Now, it has locations in south Kansas City, Independence — and of as a few months ago — Lawrence. It also has a franchise location in Prescott, Arizona.

Founder Dennis Alazzeh said he’s looking to expand the concept across the Midwest, opening spots in Columbia, St. Louis, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

Alazzeh hopes to bring the brand to national acclaim and is planning to open 50 locations within the next three years.

“I think we’re very unique in our offering, as well as our vibe,” Alazzeh said. “The music and the lighting … We’re more a hangout spot. I guess that’s what makes us stand out from the chicken crowd.”

Chick-In Waffle offers eight signature waffles, including the KC BBQ waffle (chicken, barbecue sauce, chives and pickles on a chewy “bubble” waffle) and the tiki masala waffle (buttermilk chicken, tomatoes, onions and a spicy sauce on a Belgian waffle). It also serves chicken sandwiches, tenders, wings and more.

The Overland Park location, the company’s sixth, will be much like the others. It will be a quick-service spot open for dine-in and takeout. Like the others, Alazzeh plans to keep the Johnson County spot open late.

“It’s a great place to grab dinner, grab a late night snack, and then if you have a sweet tooth, we have tons of desserts and milkshakes that people absolutely love,” he said.

Milkshake flavors include fudge brownie and cinnamon toast.

Johnson County is becoming a popular spot for chicken restaurants.

Last year, Dave’s Hot Chicken opened an Overland Park location at 9097 Metcalf Ave. And soon, it will open another at 15139 W. 119th St.

Another Kansas City hot chicken restaurant, Mother Clucker , just opened a Leawood spot in Park Place at 11635 Ash St. It has another location in Shawnee at 5930 Nieman Road.

Chicken wing restaurant Mr. Wingz also recently opened at 9532 Antioch Road.