Spot Check: That Chicken Place
Editor’s note: Originally published February 15, 2019. Republished May 14, 2020.
From day one, That Chicken Place was a hit. After their soft open on Jan. 2, Everett simply couldn’t get enough chicken from this new Southern-style, eclectic spot on Hewitt.
“I underestimated the city of Everett and their readiness to eat chicken,” said owner-operator Brandy Wahlstrom. “My first two days I could not keep chicken in this building.”
That Chicken Place’s black and yellow exterior // Laura Campbell
That Chicken Place was an idea brought to reality after taking a “huge leap of faith,” said Wahlstrom. As a single mom of two sons both involved in Everett youth hockey, Wahlstrom hasn’t had an off day since opening.
“I’ve always been in the restaurant industry bartending, waitressing... taking care of people and feeding people is just what I do.”
Staff member Ryan Le and Wahlstrom initially met while working in the kitchens at Everett Community College. “The company contracted with EvCC started laying everyone off slowly,” said Le. “Brandy was like ‘I found a place for a restaurant.’”
Together, they decided to take a chance.
Family and friends came together to help during a four-month period of renovations. The floors were redone and the walls were painted a warm yellow. Southern-inspired décor was added, including a sign that reads “Please check guns at door.”
That Chicken Place’s decor is influenced by the South // Laura Campbell
Piece by piece, the restaurant began to feel like a home.
Wahlstrom posted on Facebook that the restaurant was open. Word of mouth and foot traffic along Hewitt Ave. did the rest of the work. After only being open for a few weeks, That Chicken Place already has regulars.
Wahlstrom’s menu mainly features southern comfort food. You can find everything from homemade meatballs to Nashville-style fried chicken in spicy butter. The baskets are roughly $10 each. Wahlstrom’s favorite item on the menu is the turkey Havarti with red onion, tomato, avocado and chipotle mayo on a grilled sourdough.
It’s called B’s Favorite, of course.
The menu at That Chicken Place (click to enlarge) // Laura Campbell
Le made his own additions: the Korean-style fried chicken and Korean barbecue wings. The Korean sauce is his own recipe.
After asking for Le’s advice on deciding what to order, I went with the Korean barbecue wings and the loaded tots. The food did not disappoint.
I was delivered a heaping pile of tater tots with chicken, olives, tomato, green onion, cheddar and a generous amount of sour cream. The wings were a perfect blend of spicy and sweet. Don’t worry about making a mess: every table comes equipped with a roll of paper towels.
The loaded tater tots // Laura Campbell
The restaurant is conveniently right across from the Angel of the Winds Area, so I know I’ll be pregaming with wings the next time I’m in the mood for watching the Silvertips.
The homespun atmosphere is great for families, hockey fans and anyone craving home cooking.
“I hope everyone feels comfortable when they come here,” said Le.
“Everyone here is family.”
That Chicken Place
1907 Hewitt Ave. Suite A.
Everett, WA 98201
(425)349-0253
Laura Campbell is a writer for Live in Everett currently studying integrated communications at WSU Everett.
