Atomic Chicken’s New Center Outpost Throws Open Its Doors Next Week [Updated]

It’s been well over a year since work got underway at Atomic Chicken in Detroit, but come next week it will finally be ready to throw open its doors to the public. Atomic’s second, larger outpost in New Center is slated to debut on April 12 at at 6500 Woodward Ave., according to signs on the restaurant and a Facebook post over the weekend.

Founded by Treat Dreams and Woodpile BBQ Shack owner Scott Moloney in partnership with chef Greg Reyner (Cafe Muse), Buffy Campeau (Buffy’s Mexicasian Grill, Motor City Road Wings), and Justin Polley, the eatery is located inside a former Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. It’s expected to feature a larger dine-in area than its carryout-only predecessor in Clawson as well as a liquor license and online-ordering.

The menu features chicken & waffles, fried chicken, and chicken sandwiches prepared with flavorful marinades like Vernors and sweet garlic. Atomic also dishes up sides of sweet vinegar slaw, blue cheese mac and cheese, biscuits, butterscotch pudding, and more.

The Clawson location of Atomic launched last spring, giving diners a first-taste of what’s to come. That spot is temporarily closed for the season. More locations are in the works, according to Moloney. Eater has reached out for more details on the impending opening. Stay tuned.

Update, 3:42 p.m., 4/3: Reached by Eater, Atomic Chicken co-owner Scott Moloney says that after 18 months of work he’s excited to finally be announcing the official opening date for the Detroit restaurant. The restaurant will open its doors from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 12 with a menu that looks slightly different from what’s currently featured on the website. There will be “some surprises” he says.

The restaurant plans to hold off on launching online ordering and delivery until approximately 30 days in. While the owners intend to acquire a liquor license, they’re holding off for the time being.

During the grand opening week beginning April 24, Atomic Chicken Detroit will be giving away 50 chicken sandwiches to the first 50 people in the door all week long.

In the meantime, Moloney says he’s turning his attention back to the Clawson location, which is receiving some updates to its parking lot among other things. So far, there’s no set reopening date for that restaurant.

Correction: A previous version of this story omitted the names of two restaurant partners.

• Detroit’s Most Anticipated Restaurants, Spring 2017 [ED]

• Atomic Chicken Poised for Early Spring Launch in New Center [ED]