Chicken in a cone

This restuarant has found a new home in Wynwood, giving a new spin on a classic southern dish: chicken and waffles

BY EMILYS GIL, STAFF WRITER

Bright orange accent colors and the smell of sweet and savory chicken entice customers as they wait for the staff to hand them a waffle cone — but there is a twist. One may assume this waffle cone contains a cold, sweet treat but the reality is some of the tastiest, crispiest fried chicken Wynwood has to offer is found at Chick’nCone.

Chick’nCone has provided another revolutionary trend in the Wynwood food scene. The classic chicken and waffle combination now comes as the perfect onthe-go snack, eliminating the hassle of using utensils. For $8 to $12, one can enjoy tender, well-seasoned popcorn chicken that is fried, chopped and tossed with a choice of sauce from the six options offered: Cinna-Maple, Traditional BBQ, Yella BBQ, Kick’n Ranch, Buffalo Blue and Peri Peri.

“The concept was completely unique compared to everything else. It is not like your typical hamburger and it is not like your typical pizza. It is more of a novelty food item. I felt like with this type of food and Wynwood being very artsy, that it would be different for this area,” owner Jonathan Almanzar said.

Located on 2039 NW 1st Pl., Chick’nCone is sure to attract wandering eyes within the Wynwood scene with its neon orange coloring. Chick’nCone is open seven days a week with various opening and closing schedules. From Mondays to Wednesdays, they open at noon and close at 9 p.m. From Thursdays to Saturdays, they are open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and close an hour earlier on Sundays at 9 p.m.

With flavors ranging from sweet to mild to spicy, anyone can enjoy their fork-free chicken and waffles for the price of $8.50. Customers can also purchase a combo meal, which is a total of $12.50 for a cone, side of fries and drink.

“I went to Chick’n Cone last month for the first time and I loved the Traditonal BBQ flavor,” customer Diana Todd said.

Chicken is not the only food item that distinguishes Chick’nCone from other restaurants. Their waffle cones are swiftly made upon ordering to ensure that customers receive the freshest quality cones. Using their own recipe, they make the batter and pour it onto the waffle maker once a customer orders a cone. This is why the sweet smell of waffles is one of the first things you notice upon entering.

Their Cajun fries can definitely be considered competition for other franchises. Their crispy shoestring-style fries with cajun seasoning retail at $4.50 and are the perfect side for their popcorn chicken.

The franchise has multiple locations in the U.S. and a few others across the Atlantic Ocean. Owners Jonathan Almanzar and Josh Lanier co-founded the company in 2011. They began offering their interpretation of chicken and waffles at a food truck in Poconos, a city in northeastern Pennsylvania, before expanding to New York City. The owners of Chick’nCone have placed their business in a few of the most expensive cities to live in from Miami to New York to Dubai.

Their high social media following and devotion to advertising on popular platforms, such as their Instagram @chicknconewynwood boosted their popularity in Miami among teenagers and influencers. They often show appreciation to their customers on social media by just simply re-posting pictures and videos customers share on their Instagram stories and thanking them for stopping by. Interactions like these are sure to leave a longlasting impression on customers and keep them coming back for more.

“I hope that [Chick’nCone] just brings people together, inspires more unity and brings a whole different type of light to this area,” Almanzar said.