Chef Nicola Blaque will open her latest concept, Freight Fried Chicken, at the Food Hall at Bottling Department at Pearl on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
Chef Blaque created Freight Fried Chicken as a homage to the rich culinary history and traditions shared amongst Black Americans. Freight Fried Chicken draws its inspiration from black women in post Civil War America that sold fried chicken to rail passengers traveling through Gordonsville, VA. The women became known as Waiter Carriers and their chicken recipes would attract travelers who would go out of their way just to try the famous chicken. The sale of fried chicken allowed formerly enslaved women to support their households and create racial progress in a time fraught with dissension.
Freight Fried Chicken will use a dry batter for its chicken, which is similar in style to what was served by the Waiter Carriers. The chicken will also be served with biscuits, just like it was served on those trains so many years ago. Guests can also expect to see fried chicken tenders, a fried chicken sandwich, biscuits, mac ‘n’ cheese, seasoned fries, a vegetarian sandwich option and more on the menu. Freight Fried Chicken’s bone-in chicken is halal and all of its batter is gluten free.
Freight Fried Chicken is located in The Food Hall at Bottling Department at 312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6, San Antonio, TX 78215. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday.
