FOOD NEWS: New ‘Krispy Krunchy Chicken’ shop now OPEN in Bellbrook

>> UPDATE: Bellbrook Marathon owner Andy Elshire reports today, Friday Nov. 3, that Krispy Krunchy is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS in his station. And as for the craft-beer growler-refill station: “We are hoping to have that up and running next week!”

Here is our earlier story:

Fans of Krispy Krunchy Chicken of will soon have a new venue from which to score their dinner — and they'll be able to take home some fresh draft beer to wash down those Cajun-kissed legs and breasts, too.

The Bellbrook Marathon gas station and convenience store at 4491 State Route 725 East at Wilmington Pike is scheduled to open the Dayton area's newest Krispy Krunchy Chicken outlet in the next few weeks.

RELATED: Gas station chicken? Here’s why it’s a must-try

“It looks like we’ll be open maybe the last week of October or the first week of November,” said the store’s owner, Andy Elshire.

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

A craft-beer growler refill station — very similar to the one that recently opened at the Washington Square Shell station on Far Hills Avenue in Washington Twp. — will follow soon after the chicken restaurant is up and running. “We hope to open it before Thanksgiving,” Elshire said. The beer-dispensing system will allow customers to fill 64-ounce “growlers” or 32-ounce “howlers” with fresh craft beer, and the containers’ lids are then tightly wound with electrical tape for carryout.

ICYMI: New craft-beer growler-fill option opens at Far Hills Ave. Shell station

The gas station/convenience store built a 900-square-foot addition to accommodate the new chicken and beer ventures.

Elshire is co-owner — along with his father-in-law — of the Town & Country Shell station on Far Hills Avenue in Kettering that also serves Krispy Krunchy Chicken.

RELATED: Chicken competition intensifies with new-restaurant openings

“We’ve had tremendous success with it in Kettering, and I see the need for it in Bellbrook,” Elshire said. “People here want a good fried chicken that’s fast.”

Don't take Elshire's word for the popularity of the chicken. A headline on a Thrillist story earlier this year suggested that, "You probably haven't heard of America's best fried chicken chain" and went on to rave about Krispy Krunchy. Here's an excerpt:

RELATED: YOU can taste the fried chicken Thrillist just named ‘Best in U.S.’ right here in Dayton (July 2017)

“The 28-year-old company might not be as recognizable as Popeye’s, but make no mistake: Its poultry can hold its own against the industry standard-bearer. Both chains specialize in Cajun-style chicken (which is heavily spiced, breaded, and flavorful) from Louisiana; but Krispy Krunchy Chicken’s perfectly seasoned and juicy pieces might be the most underrated item in fast food today.”

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“While that declaration might sound sacrilegious, KKC’s chicken is expertly balanced with the right amount of garlic, paprika, and black pepper. The golden exoskeleton on KKC’s pieces has an airy flakiness and a sturdy architecture that never crumbles, all thanks to the aforementioned spice blend.”

OPENING DAY: Chick-fil-A sets dates for TWO new Dayton-area locations (December 2016)

According to Krispy Krunchy Chicken’s web site, there are two Krispy Krunchy locations in Montgomery County: in the aforementioned Town & Country Shell station at 3960 Far Hills Ave. at Strooop Road in Kettering; and at the Germantown Shell (Kasey’s Gas Mart) at 1341 W. Market St. in Germantown.

In Springfield, a Krispy Krunchy can be found at Doc's Drive Thru & Grocery at 908 W. North St. And there are three Krispy Krunchy locations inside the I-275 beltway in northern Cincinnati. You can check for Krispy Krunchy locations on the chain's web site.

RELATED: Popeyes confirms new Kettering restaurant (March 2017)

The chain operates about 2,300 retail locations in 41 states, and in Malaysia and American Samoa. Established in 1989, Krispy Krunchy Chicken was developed out of the founder’s convenience store chain.

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

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