A New Quick Service Italian Restaurant is Coming to Ferndale

Morelia's Italian Fried Chicken to combine fast food "build-your-own-combo" model with elevated casual Italian cuisine.

Xiao daCunha
Written By Xiao daCunha
News Writer
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A new restaurant called Morelia’s Italian Fried Chicken is quietly in the works in Ferndale. Husband-and-wife Andrew and Morelia Minhinnick recently signed the lease for a vacant space at 23420 Woodward Ave and are currently working through the permitting process. If all goes as planned, the new eatery will open in late December or early January next year.

Don’t let the name fool you: Morelia’s Italian Fried Chicken is much more than another fried chicken quick-service space. Instead, the business will feature an authentic, homemade casual Italian menu serving up delicious sandwiches and fresh pastas.

“You’ve got to try our Porchetta Sandwich. It’s a traditional Italian dish where a whole piece of pork belly is stuffed with fresh herbs and garlic, then rolled and baked until the skin is crispy. We cut it into thin slices and turn it into a sandwich.” Morelia Minhinnick told What Now Detroit over the phone, adding the menu will also have vegetarian options, such as a Mozerella caprese sandwich. “Andre makes the Mozerella from scratch,” Minhinnick said.

Focusing on a swift and convenient dining experience, Morelia’s will adopt the classic quick service model where customers can create their own combo by choosing their main item, dipping sauce, and beverage. And don’t forget to finish your order with some dessert, such as the iconic Zeppoles: Italian donut holes rolled in sugar with a fluffy, melty center.

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Xiao daCunha is an independent journalist covering hospitality, arts, culture, and community. Holding a BA in English Creative Writing from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, daCunha has contributed for various prestigious outlets including the Eater, TimeOut Chicago, the Chicago Reader, KCUR 98.3, and was formerly Managing Editor at UrbanMatter Chicago. She also maintains a personal column where she writes about art, movies, and cultural criticism.
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