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Kennedy Fried Chicken
Kennedy Fried Chicken
Kennedy Fried Chicken
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Kennedy Fried Chicken and Crown Fried Chicken are common restaurant names primarily in the New York–New Jersey, Philadelphia, Delaware and Baltimore areas of the United States, but also in nearby smaller cities or towns along the Northeastern United States. Kennedy Fried Chickens typically compete with Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in low income neighborhoods of several states along the East Coast. There are also a number in the West Coast, primarily in California. A number of these restaurants, located in other states, are named New York Fried Chicken, essentially designed in the same manner and offering the same general menu as Kennedy and Crown Fried Chicken. It is not an actual franchise in the typical manner; every "Kennedy" named chicken restaurant is independently owned and operated by different individuals but consist of essentially the same menu.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Kennedy Fried Chicken was founded on May 16, 1969, with its first restaurant on Nostrand Avenue 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 or "Lau Chicken".[3] After studying engineering in Baku, Azerbaijan (then a republic of the Soviet Union), he immigrated to the United States in 1977 and began working at a New York City fast food restaurant chain by the name of Kansas Fried Chicken, founded by African-American entrepreneur Horace Bullard.[1] After spending about three years learning how to run a fast food business, he decided to open his own fried chicken restaurant with equivalent quality but prices 15-20% cheaper.[1]

Kennedy Fried Chicken was named after assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy, "because Afghans are fond of the former president."[1][3] During the 1980s and 1990s many of the same restaurants have opened across New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland and several other states, including West Coast states such as California.

Interior of a Crown Fried Chicken in Philadelphia.

The restaurants

[edit]

For the most part the restaurants share the same concept, if not the same menus. In addition to fried chicken they may offer fried fish, hot wings, short ribs, shrimp, burgers, pizza, beef patties on coco bread, sandwiches, fries, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, onion rings, sweet potato pies and a variety of flavors of ice cream for dessert.[4]

Many restaurant locations are in low-income and higher crime communities,[5] serving from behind bulletproof glass, especially at night. Some locations have added Middle Eastern dishes such as kebabs with rice to their menus,[6] but Kennedy's and Crown's specialties are the deep-fried chicken (described as "not too dry or too soggy").[4] Chicken and food are quite often ordered a la carte. Not all dishes are available for takeout and delivery. Menus are usually posted on the walls with photographs.

Due to the tendency of these restaurants to appear in socioeconomically challenged locations, Kennedy, Crown, and New York Fried Chicken are sometimes referred to disparagingly as "ghetto chicken".[7]

In 2009 one Kennedy Fried Chicken restaurant in Brooklyn, New York changed its name to "Obama Fried Chicken" in honor of the election of President Barack Obama.[8]

[edit]

The restaurants are traditionally owned and operated mostly by Afghan-Americans but are not formally connected, although their concept, menus and prices are similar.[2] The multitude of owners has caused problems for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in New York; since the 1990s Kentucky Fried Chicken has tried to enforce trademark rights against some of the Kennedy Fried Chicken restaurants, many of which used the initials "KFC", and have been known to decorate their restaurants in red and white colors similar to Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants.

Trademark controversy

[edit]

In 2005 Abdul Haye, an Afghan immigrant since 1989 and a resident of Whitestone, Queens in New York City, registered Kennedy Fried Chicken as a trademark. He has been attempting to enforce the trademark against other restaurants with mixed results.[3]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kennedy Fried Chicken

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kennedy Fried Chicken is a collective name for a network of independently owned fast-food restaurants specializing in , primarily operating in urban areas of the . According to the most commonly cited account, the origins of Kennedy Fried Chicken trace back to 1975, when Afghan immigrant Taeb Zia opened the first location in , New York, after gaining experience at a Kansas Fried Chicken outlet; other reports mention varying founders and years, such as or in 1979. Zia adapted the Southern-style model by using ingredients and offering lower prices to appeal to local communities, which helped the concept spread rapidly among other Afghan immigrants fleeing the Soviet invasion of in 1979. Unlike a centralized franchise, Kennedy Fried Chicken consists of hundreds of independent outlets with no unified ownership or control, leading to variations in menus, decor, and quality across locations. These restaurants are concentrated in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Hartford, often in low-income neighborhoods, and have expanded to parts of Canada and England. By the 1980s, Zia himself operated six locations, but the name's popularity allowed any entrepreneur to adopt it without formal affiliation. The name "Kennedy" is believed to honor former U.S. President , reflecting admiration among Afghan founders, while its similarity to Kentucky Fried Chicken () has sparked trademark disputes. In 1990, KFC sued several Kennedy operators for infringement, and although the name was trademarked in 2005 by owner Abdul Haye, enforcement remains challenging due to the decentralized structure. Kennedy Fried Chicken has become a cultural staple for immigrant communities, providing opportunities and affordable meals, with typical offerings including pieces for around $2-3 each as of 2025, alongside sides like , fries, and . Its enduring presence underscores the adaptability of immigrant in the American fast-food landscape.

History

Founding and Early Years

Kennedy Fried Chicken originated in Brooklyn, New York, as a fast-food venture catering to urban immigrant communities with affordable fried chicken. The chain's establishment is tied to the late 1960s and early 1970s, though exact dates and founders remain disputed among sources. One prominent account credits Taeb Zia, an Afghan immigrant who arrived in the United States from Kabul in 1972, with opening the first location in 1975 on Nostrand Avenue in the Flatbush neighborhood. Zia, who had previously worked at a competing chicken shop called Kansas Fried Chicken, adapted a similar business model but emphasized halal ingredients and lower prices to appeal to Muslim customers in low-income areas. The name "Kennedy Fried Chicken" draws from President , reflecting admiration among some Afghan communities for the late leader, while also serving as a phonetic play on the established Kentucky Fried Chicken brand. However, conflicting narratives point to as an alternative founder, with some placing the chain's start as early as 1969 or as late as 1979 in or , though details supporting Karim's role are scarcer and less corroborated. These disputes highlight the informal, independent nature of the early operations, where Afghan immigrants like Zia played a key role in refining recipes and establishing outlets in gritty, underserved neighborhoods. Initial challenges included navigating economic constraints in immigrant-heavy urban districts, where the focus was on quick, budget-friendly meals amid competition from larger chains. By the late 1970s, the concept had begun to take root, setting the stage for broader adoption among South Asian and Middle Eastern entrepreneurs adapting the fried chicken format to local tastes.

Expansion and Development

Following its founding in the mid-1970s in Brooklyn, New York, Kennedy Fried Chicken experienced rapid expansion beginning in the 1980s, driven primarily by Afghan immigrant entrepreneurs who adopted and scaled the business model. By the mid-1980s, Taeb Zia had expanded to approximately six locations in New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, with operations extending into a loose network of independently owned outlets rather than a centralized franchise system. This proliferation was fueled by Afghan refugees arriving after the 1979 Soviet invasion, who trained under early operators like Taeb Zia—often called the "father of Kennedy Fried Chicken"—and then launched their own shops, creating a pyramid-like growth effect. Nationwide, Afghan-owned chicken outlets, including those under the Kennedy name, numbered around 200 by 1984, with presence in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and California. The 1990s marked further development as Kennedy Fried Chicken outlets spread to additional Northeastern and West Coast areas, including , , , and more locations in , often targeting urban, low-income communities amid economic shifts like and waves. Afghan entrepreneurs played a pivotal role in this scaling, leveraging community networks to source affordable ingredients and implement aggressive pricing strategies—such as offering 10 pieces of chicken for under $5—to undercut competitors like while maintaining quality through shared recipes and suppliers. By the late 1990s, the network had dozens of independently operated locations across these regions, with operators like Fahim Hotaki exemplifying the model by starting in and expanding to multiple sites in northeastern cities such as Albany and . This decentralized approach allowed for quick adaptation to local markets, emphasizing affordability and familiarity in diverse, working-class neighborhoods. As popularity grew, the brand's identity evolved from a single Brooklyn shop to a recognizable symbol of immigrant-driven enterprise, with the name "Kennedy"—chosen for Afghans' admiration of President —becoming synonymous with accessible in underserved areas. This period solidified Kennedy Fried Chicken's footprint, with over 50 locations in alone by the early , reflecting its success in blending cultural with economic resilience during the and .

Operations

Restaurant Characteristics

Kennedy Fried Chicken locations are predominantly situated in low-income urban areas with high foot traffic, such as neighborhoods across New York City's boroughs, , and other northeastern U.S. cities, often near public transit hubs like subway stations. These placements cater to diverse immigrant communities, including Afghan, Muslim, and populations, making the shops integral to local economies in modest-means areas. Typical design elements reflect adaptations to urban environments, featuring compact storefronts with laminated posters and bulletproof Plexiglas partitions at counters to enhance customer and staff safety amid high-traffic settings. This setup prioritizes quick service and security in dense, pedestrian-heavy locales. The chain follows an independent ownership model, with individual operators—largely Afghan immigrants—using the Kennedy name within a loose network rather than adhering to centralized corporate standards or fees. This structure allows flexibility but results in varied operations across locations. Many outlets offer delivery through apps like and . Pricing emphasizes affordability to appeal to budget-conscious urban residents, with individual pieces of typically sold for around $2–$3 as of 2025, undercutting competitors like while maintaining stable, low costs. Prices vary by location. Many outlets incorporate halal certification, sourcing meat that is hand-slaughtered in accordance with to better serve Muslim communities and broaden their customer base. Kennedy Fried Chicken's core menu revolves around fried chicken prepared in a classic Southern American style, with bone-in pieces battered and fried using halal meat to ensure compliance with dietary preferences in many locations. Offerings include original and spicy varieties, sold as individual pieces, wings, fish fillets, and buckets for family sharing, such as 12-piece packs around $30–$35 as of 2025. Chicken wings are available in hot buffalo or flavored styles, often in portions of 6 pieces for about $6–$8 or combos with fries for $10–$12, while fried fish comes in fillets or combos around $11–$13, such as a 2-piece fish meal with fries and soda. Prices vary by location. Beyond and , the menu features burgers like cheeseburgers and spicy chicken sandwiches, alongside gyro wraps in select shops, providing a fusion of fast-food staples with Middle Eastern influences. Sides such as , , and onion rings accompany mains, with combo meals designed for affordability, including options like a 3-piece chicken meal with a side and drink for about $10–$11 or 10-piece chicken strips combo for around $10 as of 2025. Desserts include sweet potato pies, , and cookies, rounding out value-oriented family meals. Preparation emphasizes fresh, on-site frying of —slaughtered by hand with Islamic —using blends that evoke traditional Southern flavors, distinguishing it from competitors through lower pricing and no products across all items. While sharing a focus on crispy, battered with chains like , Kennedy Fried Chicken locations often incorporate local variations, such as slices or larger portion baskets like 12-piece for group dining. Affordable urban pricing ties into combo structures, enabling meals under $15 for individuals in many outlets as of 2025.

Trademark Disputes with KFC

In the early 1990s, Kentucky Fried Chicken () initiated legal action against operators of Kennedy Fried Chicken outlets, alleging based on the similarity in branding elements. Specifically, claimed that the name "Kennedy Fried Chicken"—sharing the initials "KFC"—along with the red-and-white color scheme and bucket-style packaging, created a likelihood of consumer confusion. The lawsuit was filed in 1990 in a New York federal court, where prevailed, securing a ruling in its favor that addressed these overlaps in and naming conventions. Following the 1990 victory, enforcement of the ruling varied by jurisdiction, with some New York locations facing injunctions that prompted modifications to or to mitigate . However, the decentralized nature of Kennedy Fried Chicken, operated as independent franchises without a central , allowed the name and similar aesthetics to persist in other areas, particularly in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods across the Northeast. In response to ongoing scrutiny, some operators, including Abdul Haye who began using the name for his restaurant in 1994, shifted to a blue logo in the mid-1990s to differentiate from KFC's branding. Abdul Haye formalized his claim to the brand by registering the "Kennedy Fried Chicken" trademark with the and Office on September 13, 2005, for restaurant services (filed August 18, 2003; Serial No. 78288891). This registration did not immediately provoke new litigation from , as the company had rebranded to simply "KFC" in 1991, potentially reducing direct conflicts over the full name. Nonetheless, the earlier disputes influenced operations, leading to selective in litigated regions while enabling continued expansion under the Kennedy name in less contested markets. These trademark battles underscore broader challenges for independent fast-food chains that mimic elements of established brands like , illustrating how initial similarities can lead to costly legal defenses and fragmented enforcement across locations. The cases highlight the importance of distinct in avoiding dilution of well-known marks, with Kennedy's persistence demonstrating the resilience of local operators in niche markets despite judicial setbacks. In 2009, fried chicken restaurants in Harlem (S&T Fried Chicken) and Brooklyn (Royal Fried Chicken) temporarily altered their signage to "Obama Fried Chicken & Pizza" to celebrate President Barack Obama's election victory, attracting widespread media coverage and criticism for commercializing the president's name. The move sparked protests led by community leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton, who argued it exploited Obama's image and perpetuated stereotypes. In response, the Harlem location partially obscured its sign to read "Bam Fried Chicken & Pizza," effectively rebranding voluntarily to avoid escalation, though the incident highlighted sensitivities around opportunistic naming in independent outlets. Beyond high-profile renaming, Kennedy Fried Chicken outlets have faced localized legal challenges, including repeated health code violations leading to temporary closures without a centralized corporate intervention. For instance, a Manhattan location at 912 Columbus Avenue was shut down twice in 2011 by the New York City Department of Health for issues such as improper food storage and pest infestations, resulting in fines and mandatory corrections. Similarly, a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, outlet was closed in 2016 after inspectors discovered health violations alongside unrelated drug paraphernalia, incurring penalties from city authorities. Labor disputes have been minimal and outlet-specific, often resolved through local courts, due to the decentralized structure. Independent operators of Kennedy Fried Chicken have encountered challenges from varying state trademark laws, which complicate uniform branding across jurisdictions due to the chain's decentralized structure. In states with stricter registration requirements, such as New York, operators must navigate local protections that differ from more lenient ones in , occasionally leading to disputes over name usage among affiliates. This patchwork has resulted in minor fines for non-compliance in some cases, though no major statewide enforcements have targeted the chain holistically. The proliferation of copycat chains mimicking Kennedy Fried Chicken's model has fueled intra-industry naming confusion, with outlets adopting similar monikers like Crown Fried Chicken, New York Fried Chicken, and JFK Chicken, often using comparable logos and menus. These imitators, primarily in urban Northeast areas, have led to customer mix-ups and occasional local complaints, exacerbating the original chain's fragmented identity. Outcomes typically involve voluntary rebrandings by smaller operators to avoid overlap, alongside isolated fines for misleading advertising in affected markets.

Cultural and Social Impact

Role in Immigrant Communities

Since the 1970s, Kennedy Fried Chicken has been predominantly owned and operated by Afghan immigrants, serving as a key entry point for among this community in the United States. , many arriving after the Soviet invasion of in 1979, began establishing these independently owned shops in , with the first location opened by Zia Taeb in in 1975. By leveraging the familiar fast-food model, these immigrants adapted to the American market, often starting with limited capital and building networks through ethnic enclaves. As of 2011, approximately 350 Afghan-owned Kennedy Fried Chicken outlets operated in alone, employing thousands of Afghan-Americans and contributing to the community's . These establishments have adapted to the needs of immigrant communities by offering halal-certified menus, which align with Islamic dietary requirements and attract Muslim customers, including and other groups such as and Gambians. Employment opportunities at Kennedy shops have been particularly vital for new arrivals, providing initial jobs that often lead to ; for instance, many owners began as teenage workers, supporting their families while gaining experience. This model has created informal support networks. Economically, Kennedy Fried Chicken plays a significant role in low-income urban neighborhoods, offering affordable meals—such as chicken pieces for as low as $1—and operating extended hours to serve diverse residents, including immigrants and locals. Profits from these family-run operations have funded for children, elaborate weddings, and remittances to relatives in , embodying immigrant success stories passed down through generations. For example, entrepreneur Fahim Hotaki, who immigrated in 1995, started working long shifts at a Kennedy shop as a teenager and later co-owns multiple locations, illustrating how these businesses foster generational mobility. Socially, Kennedy Fried Chicken outlets function as gathering spots in diverse urban areas, strengthening ties through practices like providing free meals during crises or offering flexible payment options to those in need. These shops often double as informal hubs near mosques, where chicken is served post-prayers, reinforcing cultural and religious connections among immigrants. By embedding themselves in immigrant-heavy regions like and , they promote local cohesion and cultural exchange without formal affiliation.

Presence in Media and Pop Culture

Kennedy Fried Chicken has garnered media attention for its role as an urban staple, particularly through coverage in major outlets highlighting its immigrant roots and everyday appeal. A 2004 New York Times article portrayed the chain as a New York-born fast-food entity largely owned and operated by Afghan immigrants, occupying a "strange and furtive place on the urban food chain" with its red-and-white branding evoking Kentucky Fried Chicken while serving halal options in neighborhoods like the Bronx and Brooklyn. This depiction emphasized its niche status among devotees who appreciated the chicken's balanced crispiness, positioning it as a symbol of working-class resilience in city life. Similarly, a 2011 New York Times piece described Kennedy Fried Chicken as a cultural touchstone in Afghan-American communities, with around 350 locations across New York City blending American fried chicken traditions with halal practices to serve diverse urban populations. In hip-hop culture, particularly New York rap, Kennedy Fried Chicken emerges as a recurring motif representing affordability and neighborhood familiarity. Brooklyn rapper Sean Price referenced it in his 2010 freestyle "It's Nothing," with lyrics noting "Kennedy Fried Chicken specials come with free soda," underscoring its value as a reliable, low-cost meal in the context of street life. Such mentions contribute to the chain's portrayal in rap as an emblem of Brooklyn's gritty, accessible food scene, evoking the economic realities of growing up in immigrant-heavy areas without delving into operational specifics. Public discourse often frames Kennedy Fried Chicken as a budget-friendly alternative to national chains like KFC, emphasizing its role in immigrant entrepreneurship and urban accessibility. An Eater investigation highlighted its pricing at about $1 per piece, making it a go-to for late-night or economical eats in New York neighborhoods, where it functions like a community hub offering halal meals to a broad clientele. This perception ties into broader discussions of cultural fusion, where the chain symbolizes the adaptation of Southern American cuisine by Afghan owners since the 1970s, fostering economic footholds in diverse boroughs. Viral moments have occasionally spotlighted quirky branding in similar Afghan-run fried chicken shops, such as a 2009 instance in where a location renamed itself "Obama Fried Chicken" to celebrate the president's election, drawing protests and national media scrutiny over stereotypes while underscoring ties to American s. As a neighborhood , Kennedy endures in pop culture as a marker of affordability and cultural blending, frequently evoked in trends around menu hacks and late-night runs, reinforcing its legacy as a quintessential element of New York City's street food landscape.

References

  1. https://www.eater.com/23158809/halal-fried-chicken-kennedy-crown
  2. https://www.tastingtable.com/1839565/what-is-kennedy-fried-chicken/
  3. https://westchestermagazine.com/uncategorized/r5-westchester-reader-questions-answered-is-kennedy-fried-chicken-related-to-the-colonel/
  4. https://www.grubhub.com/food/kennedy_fried_chicken/menu
  5. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/nyregion/14chicken.html
  6. https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/15/nyregion/chicken-little.html
  7. https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/07/nyregion/afghans-get-slice-of-the-fast-food-business.html
  8. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2015/01/18/avon-afghan-immigrants-serve-delectable-fare-crown-fried-chicken/wi1R6NtqwZ9Q2HZELraxcP/story.html
  9. https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/a-chicken-war-where-afghans-rule-the-roost/
  10. https://www.ubereats.com/store/kennedy-fried-chicken/hfVx4_1nQAmtVCCW3bea5g
  11. https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/kennedy-fried-chicken-667-e-187th-st-bronx/5945616
  12. https://www.doordash.com/business/kennedy-fried-chicken-428747/menu/
  13. https://www.techdirt.com/2011/02/21/ridiculous-trademark-saga-kennedy-fried-chicken/
  14. https://trademarks.justia.com/782/88/kennedy-fried-78288891.html
  15. https://www.nydailynews.com/2009/04/03/nycs-obama-fried-chicken-restaurants-ruffle-feathers/
  16. https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/obama-fried-chicken-will-keep-its-name/
  17. https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/when-obama-becomes-just-bam/
  18. https://www.westsiderag.com/2011/07/13/funky-chicken-health-department-closes-and-re-closes-two-upper-west-side-restaurants
  19. https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/contests/restaurant-in-harrisburg-closed-officials-cite-health-violations-and-drug-paraphernalia/521-255d2a58-0c40-4961-89c6-cb39538d554b
  20. https://www.ipo.gov.uk/t-challenge-decision-results/o20403.pdf
  21. https://dokumen.pub/the-new-york-nobody-knows-walking-6000-miles-in-the-city-9781400848317.html
  22. https://www.vittlesmagazine.com/p/the-mythos-of-food-in-new-york-rap
  23. https://www.theblup.com/kennedy-fried-chicken-history-culture-and-legacy-of-a-neighborhood-staple/
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