FOR THE LOVE OF FRIED CHICKEN

Daring, bold, and unapologetic – a chat with Jailbird’s Chef

Alexi Mostert

When did your chef career begin?

My interest in cooking and food started from a young age. I have always been in and around the kitchen as a kid. Memories, moments, and significant food events in my life began with a basic love of eating simple, nourishing food. This emotional attachment to cooking sparked my career over a decade ago in South Africa, the motherland. Shortly after, I found myself making my way up and working at WD~50 in New York City, which I would say kicked off my culinary journey.

What was the inspiration behind Jailbird?

It all started with a craving. Our team came together during COVID, the peak of culinary experimentation, and thought about great fried chicken coupled with a strong brand. We had tasted good fried chicken, but the market lacked great, flavourful, and well-executed fried chicken. I got in the kitchen to make some, and the rest is history.

How do you remain competitive in the quick-service restaurant business?

Remaining consistent is key. From quality, service, relationships, and work environment, the Jailbird team strives to maintain consistency in everything we do. Over the years, we have built a community that ranges from our dedicated staff to our loyal clientele. Nurturing and maintaining these relationships is what keeps us going.

Tell us about the menu at Jailbird?

The menu at Jailbird is a clear representation of the brand. It is daring, bold, and unapologetic, offering more than just the sum of its parts. The sheer simplicity of the menu adds to its complexity. While designing the menu, we never shy away from experimentation and breaking norms.

What are the three most ordered meals at Jailbird?

The classic and OG Sando Melt, the Nashville Style, and the Korean BBQ tenders.

What makes Jailbird unique?

It all comes down to genuine care. The entire team, including every staff member and myself, has poured our souls into Jailbird. It is an understatement to say that this brand is homegrown. It has been carefully crafted by individuals who consistently push boundaries in marketing, operations, sourcing, cooking, and delivering. Colossal amounts of care have gone into Jailbird, which sets it apart.