Sneakybird is ruffling feathers in the fast-casual dining scene with the opening of its second Arizona location in Gilbert. The brainchild of the Chaon family, who gained recognition through Native Grill & Wings, chooses to roast its poultry offerings, setting a health-conscious precedent amidst a landscape dominated by fried options, as confirmed by ABC15.
The Gilbert branch of Sneakybird went live on May 28, roosting comfortably in the 1,550-square-foot space at the Verde at Cooley Station shopping center. Dan Chaon, Sneakybird's founder and ex-CEO of the sold Native Grill & Wings, along with his son Nathan, aim to snatch a larger piece of the market with this recent expansion and an assertive franchise strategy. Partnered with J2E Investments LLC, the team has a robust blueprint for future locations across Arizona - six over the next 18 months, according to details from Phoenix Business Journal.
Beyond the health agenda, Sneakybird's menu stands out with a spectrum of distinctive dry rubs like garlic and creamy parmesan, smokey honey and peach, and salted maple. Jordan Strasser of J2E Investments was quoted by the Phoenix Business Journal, saying, "We were looking for a healthy alternative to fried food — chicken in particular — and could not believe the quality. It kept us coming back day after day." Strasser's testimonial underlines the gastronomic pull that led to J2E's significant investment in Sneakybird's blueprint for growth.
Verde at Cooley Station, the new home of Sneakybird's Gilbert operation, has recently concluded its latest construction phase, now teeming with a variety of culinary and retail ventures. The addition of Sneakybird joins the roster alongside Frostails Korean Dessert House and The Brass Tap, amongst others. According to Norman Brody, a managing partner of the center, the property was envisioned as a social hub, with a focus on family-friendly events and convenience for both residents and visitors. The venue's subsequent shift to an upgraded digital presence marks its broader transition to what the management dubs 'Verde 2.0.'
For now, Sneakybird's growth signals an appetite for healthier fast-casual dining options. The restaurants upcoming openings in Hudson Station and Prasada are penned for Q3 2024, with additional sites in Arcadia and Dove Valley slated for the following year. As the Chaon's and J2E embark on this ambitious roll-out, Sneakybird is poised to carve out its niche, one roasted chicken at a time.
