Mean Bird’s brick and mortar roost opens up on Friday – UPDATE: Sneak Peek

Update 6/22:

One of the most magical phrases for a writer is “media preview lunch”. Having experienced Mean Bird in food truck form I was pretty sure I knew what I was in for, namely tasty fried chicken. I got exactly what I was expecting on Wednesday as part of a “media preview lunch”. I’m sure the cute little joint will be crowded during the grand-opening this Friday (details below). It’s worth repeating, this is a grab-and-go affair. There’s a pair of small counters by the window but you should have your picnic spot already planned out when you swing by for lunch or dinner. I’d suggest the grass at the VMFA or Fountain Lake.

Don’t expect to see much of the truck this summer. Catering will still take place but for the most part it will be parked this summer so that Mike and Sarah Moore can focus on the brick and mortar Mean Bird.

A few pictures and quick thoughts on what we saw and tasted.

This is the Hot Chick. On my first couple bites didn’t feel any heat. The heat however built up and was nice and spicy as I got into it. I’m not a slaw on my sandwich kind of guy but the apple slaw worked great.

I was unable to show the massiveness of this sandwich. The bun you see is a typical hamburger bun and it doesn’t begin to cover the chicken proper. Those are cajun fries hiding in the background. Not seen is the limeade I demolished in record time.

Wall of chips is so pretty and crunchy.

Mean Bird looks mean but everyone inside is super chill and nice.

Everything is made to order, so arrives in your hand piping hot. Don’t dig right in. Skip the fountain drink and go for the limeade. You’ll probably want an extra limeade.

Waiting for ABC approval but you’ll see beer and wine. The booze will be ABC off so don’t pop your top while in the store. There are plans for unique pairings with the un-pictured candy.

Swag central and giant cheese balls. Texas Beach Bloody Mary mix, local honey, and a few offerings from Studio Two-Three round out this wall.

Mean Bird is right across from Sticky Rice and fortunately was able to use the same colors.

Original Post 6/19:

Your doctor will frown on eating fried chicken everyday. Your stomach and tastebuds don’t see any issues with eating fried chicken everyday. Who are you going to listen to when Mean Bird opens up this Friday in the old Sticky Rice To GoGo spot?

Photo by Mean Bird

Official Press Release:

Mean Bird will open their new takeout shop, located at 2227 W. Main Street on Friday, June 23rd. Mean Bird will be open 4:00-10:30 pm. on Friday.

For the Grand Opening celebration, Mean Bird will be offering their full takeout menu, including buckets of fried chicken, vegan fried chicken, sandwiches, and seasonal sides. Their shop will also offer a wide selection of your favorite candy, chips, and other guilty pleasures. Doors will open at 4:00 pm. There is no dine-in seating, so be prepared to take your bird back home or on a picnic!

“We want every detail in the shop to be fun. Every time you come to Mean Bird, whether you buy a 16 piece bucket or a Snickers bar, we want you to have a good fucking time.” –Mike Moore

Please RSVP to the Facebook page for this event to help the Mean Bird staff get a better handle on their numbers!

Mean Bird will be open for carry-out seven days a week. To start, hours will be 11am-10:30pm Sunday–Thursday and 11am-3:30am Friday & Saturday. Breakfast hours and delivery to be added over the next couple weeks.

ABOUT MEAN BIRD:

Proudly nested in Richmond, VA, Mean Bird is a food truck and soon-to-be takeout shop, serving fried chicken and vegan fried “chicken,” plus seasonally-inspired sides. Richmond natives and restaurant veterans, Mike and Sarah Moore began Mean Bird in January of 2016, serving crowds at breweries and festivals from their truck.

Mean Bird’s first brick and mortar location will open at 2227 W. Main Street in the summer of 2017. There, Mean Bird will offer buckets of fried chicken and vegan fried chicken, as well as sides, seasonal specials, fountain sodas, fresh limeades, and desserts to create complete, convenient meals for families and students. The shop will also stock a fun selection of locally made goods, garbage like prepackaged candy and chips, and to-go beer and wine.