Fry the Coop (Prospect Heights) — Restaurant in Wheeling Township

Extremely disappointed in my experience this evening. I came in to a store with just 2 tables occupied, comfortable music playing overhead. Cashier came up to the counter moments after me approaching, great so far. But then it took a turn, no greeting, no smile and clothing like you just woke up from bed (disturbing graffiti hoodie, sweats, and green hair). I ordered, and the only words I heard in return throughout the whole experience were “how hot”. Meanwhile 6 people standing around in the kitchen making jokes and planning their weekend.

Received my food in 7 minutes (just 1 Nashville sandwich, hot with a slice of cheese). Sat down with my food and the bun is freezer cold, underneath looks like it was toasted but then sat in a fridge, I kid you not. I tried to look past that, then I noticed they also did not put cheese and they also added giardiniera without my asking for it. So I kindly walked up to the counter, and I told the cashier, that the sandwich is wrong, and the reasons mentioned. She angrily handed it to one of the cooks behind the window and told him under her breath my concerns. He took the sandwich and handed it back in under 15 seconds meanwhile, here I was expecting a fresh sandwich and a fresh bun but now I received the same chicken that was drenched in oil from the giardiniera, She handed it back to me, and I told her that the Bun is also cold, is that going to be changed? Again she told the cook under her breath and he handed it back to her moments after she handed it to him. Here I was expecting a freshly toasted bun, or even an apology but I just didn’t receive what I expected.

I sat down and ate my sandwich and noticed that there was barely any flavor. All I could taste was the coop sauce. The slice of cheese they added was fridge cold. Meanwhile, all I can hear during my entire experience were the cooks behind the window, talking about their weekends and I could barely hear the music. I also noticed multiple customers come in after me, and the cashier was still monotone and no smiles or apologies even after she told someone they were out of stock on something. She didn’t even greet me on my way out of the store, it’s like the 7 employees don’t care and that speaks volumes to Fry the Coop.

I will not be returning and I hope staff can improve on...

The Prospect Heights Fry the Coop restaurant (as well as the entire chain) has the best chicken that you can find anywhere! My son has weekly card tournaments in the vicinity and we always stop here. We have tried so many places over many years, and have to say that their secret ingredient makes it so delicious. I try not to drive past this place, but instinctively have to, because my brain will always veer into the restaurant for my mild or hot chicken fix. The seasonings and secret ingredient (lard) that they cook with is indescribable and reminds me of growing up in the 60's and my grandmother using schmaltz (chicken fat) in everything that she fried up, chicken, fish, potatoes, etc., and everything tasted great. Once you try this restaurant, you will understand what I am saying, and will be hooked. The hot is really hot and I love it, we usually order a hot and mild sandwich and split them as to not overdo it. I am so tempted to go to the next heat level, but my son is afraid he would have to get me to my gastro doctor for a hot chicken emergency visit. This location is always busy at dinner time, but moves rather quickly. The staff is always efficient and accommodating. The last time my son and I ate there (last week) we each had the sandwich meal, but had a craving for more and then ordered and split the hot chicken tenders meal, and we both were in food heaven and near food coma status. I asked my gastro doctor if craving your food is considered an addiction, and she said yes; and said to try not to make a habit of eating there so often. Thank you for...

The little brat named Liz working the front was extremely rude and ruined our experience. We came in around 7:30 when they closed at 8, and she ignored us for at least 5 minutes before greeting us and taking our order. The food took another 15 to come out, and she automatically put it for take out when we said we were dining in. We sat down to eat, and around 7:55 she approached us and rudely stated "We close in 10 minutes you need to wrap up". We were just about done eating anyways, just a few fries to finish. She had no business being so rude & abrupt, and it makes me question management and how someone so awful can be in a customer facing position. I've worked food service, and the you are trained to observe a customers phase in their meal, and had she looked there was no need to approach us so aggressively. If we had lingered past closing, I would understand a polite notice that the business is closed, but this was absolutely uncalled for and highly disrespectful. She just wanted us to leave since she had her little boyfriend there sitting waiting for her, and didn't want to stay a single minute past close. It takes 30 seconds to wipe a table once a customer is finished, and she was so preoccupied giggling and flirting she could've had everything else done earlier. The food was good as always, but this was the worst customer experience i've had in a...