When most people think of the best fried chicken in Illinois, a service station is probably not the first place that comes to mind. But along the historic road 66, a place on the roadside protects golden chicken and crisp for almost a century. Here is why the Dell Rhea chicken basket has won its legendary status.
1. It all started in a service station
In the heart of Willowbrook, Illinois, a simple service station began to offer more than fuel. At the end of the 1920s, this unpretentious judgment began to serve the fried chicken for its lunch counter, a movement that would shape its future. Travelers along the historic road 66 would not only stop to fill up on cars, but to refuel with delicious food.
The charm of this place was not only in its practical aspect but in its hospitality. The smell of frying chicken floating in the air often tried the most precipitated travelers to stop and indulge.
Over time, the culinary offers of the service station have become the main attraction. This simple beginning laid the foundations for what would become a beloved restoration establishment, renowned for its charming chicken, creating a precedent for the guests along the famous highway.
2. A secret recipe has triggered everything
Two enterprising local farms approached the owner of the service station with a tempting offer. In exchange for a place to cook and sell their chickens, they shared their darling fried chicken recipe. This collaboration proved to be crucial.
Their recipe, a mixture of spices and secret techniques, quickly captivated residents and travelers. It was not only the taste that won hearts, but the story behind. The sharing of recipes and meals has formed a feeling of community among customers.
The gas station has gone from a simple stopover in a culinary destination. This secret recipe has become the cornerstone of its success, proposing it in culinary folklore. It is a testimony to how food can forge relationships and build legends. Each bite, the guests have tasted the history, tradition and collaborative spirit of women who have started everything.
3. In 1946, the chicken took over
Over the years, the identity of the service station has undergone a metamorphosis. In 1946, the accent on fried chicken was undeniable. The petrol pumps have slowly disappeared, giving way to a restaurant atmosphere in its own right.
The establishment was baptized the Chicken Basket by Dell Rhea, marking its evolution and dedication to serve exceptional foods. This change did not just change the menu; It was a question of kissing a new identity.
From equipment to the side of the road to a culinary benchmark, this restaurant has captured the essence of American entrepreneurship. He stressed how a simple idea, fueled by passion and community support, could become something much more important. It has become a tag for those looking for quality, tradition and innovation in one. The heritage of 1946 lives, celebrated with each meal served.
4. Travelers on Route 66 made famous
Route 66, known as “Main Street of America”, was the ideal setting for Dell Rhea’s chicken basket to strengthen. Travelers, whether on travel on the way or adventures of Cross-Country, found comfort in the hearty meals of the restaurant.
The establishment has become a beloved standard, offering not only a subsistence but a tranche of Americana. The guests appreciated the meals on checkered tablecloths, surrounded by neon signs and memories of Route 66, creating a nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere.
This location offered customers more than food; He provided stories and memories. Visitors have often left with a full belly and the feeling of having participated in something particularly American. The merger of history, culture and cooking by the chicken basket along this emblematic road has made it a must for generations of travelers.
5. Dell Rhea wore the torch
In the 1960s, a visionary businessman named Dell Rhea saw the potential in the flourishing establishment. Recognizing the unique charm and flavor of the chicken basket, he acquired it and imbued it with new energy.
Under its management, the restaurant continued to prosper, by maintaining the original recipes and atmosphere that customers loved. Dell Rhea’s practical approach assured that the establishment retained its authenticity while expanding its scope.
His commitment to quality and tradition have made the chicken basket a familiar name, synonymous with exceptional fried chicken. Dell Rhea’s inheritance is celebrated with each client served, reflecting his dedication to preserving what made the restaurant special. His stewardship not only protected a culinary gem, but also cemented his place in local history.
6. It was presented on television
The national recognition came to strike when the dinners, Drive-ins & dives du Food Network presented the chicken basket of Dell Rhea. This projector has introduced a wider audience to its famous flavors and its past.
The host of the show was amazed by the fried chicken designed by experts, highlighting meticulous preparation and the secret recipe. The segment presented not only food, but the unique charm and dedication of the establishment to tradition.
Viewers have been captivated by the combination of history and taste, leading to an influx of curious guests. The appearance on television said what the inhabitants already knew: the chicken basket was an essential destination. This media coverage added another chapter to its inheritance, fill the gap between the past and the present, and inviting the new generations to participate in its culinary delights.
7. The chicken always steals the show
Decades can have passed, but the fried chicken remains the main attraction of the Dell Rhea chicken basket. Crispy, golden and perfectly seasoned, it is a dish that continues to captivate the guests.
Accompanied by conventional comfort sides, each meal offers a taste of nostalgia and house goodness. The recipe, unchanged for almost 100 years, talks about perfection obtained a long time ago.
This culinary masterpiece not only satisfies the palace, but also tells a story of tradition, passion and community. At each portion, the guests experience a piece of history, a testimony of the idea that certain things are too good to change. The chicken basket is a monument to consistency and quality, appreciated by residents and travelers.
