Fast-casual chicken has never been a dining scene that puts all its eggs in one basket. The market has proven it is so much more than simply nuggets and tenders; chains featuring Nashville hot chicken, Korean fried chicken, and myriad other permutations on the poultry favorite have been enjoying incredible success-and it’s only the beginning. A new contender is preparing to throw its feathers into Cordova’s culinary ring. Helmed by franchisee Roque “Rocky” Estipona, Kukuruku Crispy Chicken is bringing Filipino fast food to the region later this year, reports local media outlet Memphis Flyer.
The restaurant will be setting up its fryers at 8095 Macon Road. According to paperwork filed with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development, Kukuruku (named for the sound of roosters crowing) will have a dedicated 1,200 square feet of space in which to serve customers.
A precise opening timeline is not presently available for the Cordova location, however Estipona is aiming to be ready to serve customers in 2 to 3 months. In the meantime, Tennessee residents eager to sample the chain’s fare can stop into one of Estipona’s other stores. The entrepreneur launched his-and the state’s-first Kukuruku in Lakeland in 2023 and another on Poplar Avenue last year.
Kukuruku will offer something unique to even the most cynical of chicken enthusiasts; Estipona explains that the flavor is not isolated to only the skin and permeates the entire dish. He describes the taste, saying: “ “It’s a rich flavor. Like a more lemongrass flavor.”
While the menu skews heavily towards the titular dish, Kukuruku Crispy Chicken does offer a few options for the poultry-averse. The eatery serves Filipino spaghetti and Estipona’s existing shops offer salads.
