New fried chicken franchise opens on 11th Street in south Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A Cajun-style chicken chain has opened in south Rockford, sharing space with a local restaurant to double customers’ options on the menu.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken opened last week inside the Shell gas station at 3003 11th St., just south of Brooke Road. It offers a variety of halal fried chicken options including hand-breaded jumbo white meat tenders, traditional wings, Cajun chicken sandwiches, nuggets and multi-piece combos. There is also honey butter shrimp and a variety of sides such as potato wedges and honey biscuits.
“It’s halal food with Cajun flavor, so it’s something new to the people here in Rockford,” said franchise owner Mahmood Abdulqader of Rockford, who goes by Mo.
This is the only Krispy Krunchy Chicken location in the city and second in the area. There’s also a location at 8080 Forest Hills Road in Loves Park. The 11th Street restaurant offers carryout with limited indoor seating. There is delivery through third-party apps.
Abdulqader initially opened Big Bite inside the space in December 2024. That continues to operate in conjunction with Krispy Krunchy.
“They are united together, so customers have multiple choices,” he said.
Big Bite has a multitude of options from catfish fillets and gyros to a halal Mediterranean menu that includes shawarma and tender and flavorful lamp chops served over rice.
“It’s really, really good. … I’d recommend it in a heartbeat,” said Kimberly Johnston, who was eating at the restaurant on Friday. “It’s a little hard to find because you think it’s just a gas station, but then you walk in and the restaurant’s right here.”
Johnston said the fried fish is her go-to at Big Bite.
“This is the only fish place in Rockford I’ll go to,” she said. “I’m picky about my fish. My fish has got to be a certain way and these guys prepare it just perfect.”
Abdulqader said he’s working on other Krispy Krunchy locations, too. He expects to announce a second Rockford spot soon.
Info | Krispy Krunchy Chicken and Big Bite
Where: 3003 11th St., Rockford (Inside the Shell gas station)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday; 11. a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Phone: 779-423-0411
Website: krispykrunchy.com
Big Bite website: bigbite11st.com
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at [email protected] or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
