PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHICKEN GUY!

Guy Fieri is passionate about feeding yinz guys, n’at. 

The spiky-haired celebrity chef and restaurateur has a namesake eatery at Live! Casino Pittsburgh in Westmoreland Mall and several delivery-only Flavortown Kitchens in the area.

On Nov. 14, Chicken Guy!, a fast-casual franchise focused on tenders and sandwiches, opened at 4 PPG Place, Downtown. It is the first of three Pennsylvania stores; Other spots are in Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee and in stadiums in Maryland and California. 

In a press release, Fieri said he has family in the area and has visited the region to profile local eateries on his Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”.

The menu features all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken tenders brined in a mixture of fresh lemon juice, pickle brined and buttermilk infused with a proprietary blend of herbs and spices. The strips are hand-pounded to maximize the crunchy texture and flavor. There are 22 house-made dipping sauces available, ranging from curry mayo and lemon pepper to Buffalo and blue cheese, along with fries, mac ‘n cheese and milkshakes.

Sandwiches include the Big Bite B.L.A.T. with smoked bacon, lettuce, avocado crema, tomatoes and buttermilk ranch and the Southwestern with pepper jack cheese, special sauce, avocado crema, cumin lime mojo, charred corn, roasted peppers, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes and crispy tortilla strips.

Salad bowls such as the Chopped Chicken Caesar can be made with fried or grilled tenders. 

DURING THE GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION, CHICKEN GUY! HELD A CEREMONIAL TENDER TOAST WITH LOCAL DIGNATARIES.

The local franchise is owned and operated by Magic Eats, a subsidiary of Johnstown, Pa.-based Everything Ice Inc./Magic Ice USA, the long-time operators of the Rink at PPG Place. Run by a team of seasoned foodservice operators, Chicken Guy! Pittsburgh represents the company’s first venture into brick-and-mortar hospitality and restaurant operations. 

Brendan Malone, vice president of Magic Ice USA and Magic Eats, said he hopes the chain’s famous face will draw people Downtown and the food will keep them coming back. 

“This is a foodie’s town and we’re excited to be bringing Guy’s awesome new chicken concept to Downtown Pittsburgh,” Malone said in a press release. “The opening of Chicken Guy! in the heart of the city firmly establishes Pittsburgh as Flavortown, USA!”