Minnie Bird—the crave-worthy chicken concept known for its playful throwback vibe and indulgent fast-casual food—is coming to Oak Brook. The expansion marks the brand’s second location, following its debut in Schaumburg in 2024, where it quickly earned a devoted following for its golden fried chicken tenders, saucy sandwiches, and nostalgic menu offerings that include free ice cream and “dirty sodas.”

The food is equal parts fun and flavor. The signature tenders are hand-breaded and made to dip—served with thick slices of Texas toast, slaw, and a lineup of house-made sauces. The Minnie’s Fried Chicken Sandwich is already a fan favorite, stacked with slaw, sweet pickles, honey mustard, and Minnie’s signature sauce on a toasted brioche bun. Minnie Bird also features an extensive menu of dirty sodas—a Utah-born drink phenomenon made by mixing classic sodas with flavored syrups, cream, and citrus. In addition to the standard offerings, each month brings new limited edition dirty sodas with toppings and inclusions that range from fruit purees to cotton candy. To top it all off, every order includes a swirl of free soft-serve ice cream, which features a new flavor every month.

While the food leans Southern-inspired, the atmosphere is pure throwback charm—bright, friendly, and filled with little touches that keep the experience fun and memorable. The brand, which takes its “Minnie” name from a beloved family matriarch, is all about feel-good moments and a sense of discovery—whether that’s a new soda flavor, a seasonal ice cream special, or a saucy combo worth coming back for.

That family matriarch has family ties that run deep in the restaurant world. Minnie Bird was founded by Elmhurst native and Venture Kitchen and Naf Naf Grill founder, David Sloan, in a partnership with Sean Thomas, the grandson of Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas. Sean’s great-great-grandmother, Minnie Sinclair, helped raise his grandfather Dave and inspire his passion for food. Minnie Bird carries on the family tradition with its own unique twist.

With its unique mix of flavor, fun, and fast-casual convenience, Minnie Bird isn’t just another chicken joint—it’s a feel-good food experience that makes you smile. The new Oak Brook store is expected to open later this summer.

Minnie Bird
1715 W 22nd Street
Oak Brook, Illinois
847-466-5821
eatminniebird.com