Malik Hairston, a graduate of Detroit’s Renaissance High School and a former NBA player with the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs, has opened Spudz & Clucks, a fast-casual restaurant at 18456 Grand River Ave. in Detroit (just west of the Southfield Freeway).
Hairston co-founded the establishment in July with his brother, Richard, and their friend, Ty Haygood. The trio has expansion ambitions.
Spudz & Clucks offers a variety of menu options including wings and tenders — purchased by the pound — layered in sauces or finishes ranging from Blueberry BBQ, Apple BBQ, and Spicy BBQ to Garlic Parmesan, Mango Habanero, or Lemon Pepper.
“It is very rewarding to serve our customers with high-quality wings, hand-dipped chicken tenders, and next-level loaded fries,” says Hairston. “We’ve worked non-stop with our team to develop the menu with flavors that will resonate well with chicken and fry fanatics. Beyond the culinary aspect and as a group of minority entrepreneurs, we are also striving to boost the number of minority-owned culinary businesses within our community.”
The additional menu staple — fries — have taken a detour from France with influences from other regions within the U.S., Asia, and Europe. The signature Samurai Fries are served Hibachi-style and laced with the diner’s choice of protein (chicken, salmon, shrimp, or steak) and seasonal vegetables tossed in a garlic butter sauce. Little Italy Fries, known as Chicken Parmesan, puts a new twist on the Italian classic habitually served over noodles — yet remaining traditional with parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a house-made marinara.
The menu also features Fried Cauliflower Bites, hamburgers, and chicken sandwiches including the Breakfast Butter Clucker, which introduces fried chicken tenders drizzled with honey butter sauce to a waffle tater tot bun. There’s also chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry milkshakes with a variety of toppings are available. The highlight dessert is Granny’s Yam A la Mode — sweet potato fries tossed in pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon served with vanilla ice cream.
Spudz & Clucks is open noon-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-6 p.m. on Sundays.
For more information, visit here.
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