New pub has tasty devil spuds
Andrew Riggs / The Collegian
The University Chicken mascot visits campus to introduce students to the new restaurant, which specializes in hot wings and beer. The pub also has 10 televisions showing different sporting events. |
By Katie Satterwhite
The Collegian
A gallon of beer and hot wings so hot that you won’t be able to see straight are just two of the many unique aspects of the new sports pub in town, University Chicken.
Located on Shaw and Woodrow just across from the Student Recreation Center, University Chicken opened its doors this semester to a surprising number of students and faculty just waiting to taste the food.
The franchise originated in Santa Clara, and then opened a store in San Jose, before bringing its flavorful food to the central San Joaquin Valley.
With food like chicken sandwiches, burgers, and devil spuds, the restaurant features a bit for all taste buds. The signature item, however that keeps the customers coming back: hot wings.
“The best thing about the hot wings is that you can pick which sauce and how hot you want the wings.
It isn’t just a basic wing sauce,” said Sarah Stone, a Fresno State marketing major.
With a variety of sauces to choose from and sauce names like atomic, traditional death and global thermo-nuclear, it will leave people wanting to try every flavor.
University Chicken also holds its famous 911 challenge: eating wings in the hottest sauce that’s served. The rules are easy. You have 10 minutes to eat 12 wings, but the catch is what makes the challenge. You may not drink or wipe your face at any time during the challenge or for five minutes after. If completed, the contestant gets a T-shirt and his or her picture on the wall.
“It’s a fun thing to bring your buddies in and do,” said Jeremy Dominguez, store manager and part owner. “We have had just over a dozen people finish.”
The 911 challenge isn’t the only thing that is bringing in costumers, their weekly specials offer great incentives as well.
The restaurant also offers dollar draft Monday nights, 35 cent hot wing Tuesdays and gallon beers every night.
Food and beer specials are just some of the great aspects of the new hot spot, but sports are attracting an even wider audience. Besides the Old Fresno Hofbrau, University Chicken is the only other place in town that will be showing Raiders games every week. With 10 different high definition televisions located around the pub and a Sunday NFL ticket package, every fan will be able to watch his or her favorite team.
Fresno State and University Chicken have also joined forces to help promote the “Red Zone.” During a Fresno State sporting event, if students wear Red Zone shirts to the sports pub, they get 40 percent off of the chicken bites and 50 percent off of the hot wings.
“We want this place to be the new home base for Fresno State students. It’s a great place and affordable for students,” Dominguez said.
With some students comparing the atmosphere and food to the nearby Dog House Grill, some people are happy that the prices seem to be lower.
“I was impressed that a sandwich was only $5. I am so tired of paying over $8 just for a sandwich that barely has anything on it,” said Amy Elliot, a sophomore transfer student.
As far as expectations for the company, Dominguez is optimistic for its turn out.
“I want to walk in and see four or five different fraternity houses here and Fresno students just enjoying themselves. Our location is going to be key for the next couple months,” he said.
But don’t think that this joint is just for college students. Families will find comfort in eating there as well. With the jukebox out on the floor, it gives people the chance to put on songs they enjoy. Also there are video games for kids and adults.
With the weekly specials and the wide range of sports that are shown, Dominguez knows once more people know about the pub, the more people will start to come on a regular basis.
Whether you’re taking the 911 challenge or watching your favorite football team, University Chicken has something to offer everyone. Open till 12 a.m. every night, it gives students a chance to get a meal without having to eat fast food.
“If you’re looking for a new place to go to have fun and spend time with your friends, come in an have a cold beer and some hot wings and enjoy yourself,” Dominguez said.
Comment on this story in the Features forum >>
|
