FOODIES
FUKU, DAVID CHANG’S CULT-FAVORITE FRIED CHICKEN CONCEPT, OFFICIALLY OPEN in CORAL GABLES
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The Quick Culinary, Chef-Driven Eatery Opens Its First Permanent Florida Location
Wednesday, March 11 Continuing Its Journey From A Secret Off-Menu Item To A Nationwide Fan-Favorite, With Plans For Further Brick and Mortar Expansion
“”We’re thrilled to bring our iconic fried chicken sandos to Coral Gables and continue growing the brand in the region. This opening represents just the beginning of our expansion plans, with more locations and menu innovations on the horizon. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where locals and visitors alike can experience Fuku’s unique flavors every day.” – CEO Claudia Lezcano
Fuku, the cult-favorite fried chicken concept from chef and cultural icon David Chang, will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, March 11, at 135 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, Fla. The debut marks Fuku’s first standalone South Florida location, joining 15 existing Fuku outposts in major stadiums, arenas and ballparks across the U.S. A second South Florida location is planned for West Palm Beach later in 2026, marking a major step in the brand’s national growth.
Originally an off-menu item at David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC, the Fuku sando quickly gained a devoted following for its bold flavors. Its popularity led to Fuku’s first East Village location in 2015, and it has since become a national favorite, known for craveable spicy fried chicken sandwiches and boundary-pushing flavors. The Coral Gables opening brings this quick, chef-driven eatery to South Florida in an approachable, must-visit setting.
“This opening is about bringing Fuku back in a way that feels authentic and fun,” said David Chang. “Great food, no overthinking it, and a place people actually want to hang out. We want everyone, from longtime fans to first-time visitors, to enjoy the energy of Fuku, whether it’s grabbing a quick sando on the go, sharing a meal with friends, or just experiencing a bit of the playful, bold spirit that made Fuku a hit in the first place.”
“This is an exciting next chapter for Fuku in South Florida,” said CEO Claudia Lezcano, a South Florida native who sees this as a true homecoming. “We’re thrilled to bring our iconic fried chicken sandos to Coral Gables and continue growing the brand in the region. This opening represents just the beginning of our expansion plans, with more locations and menu innovations on the horizon. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where locals and visitors alike can experience Fuku’s unique flavors every day.”
At the heart of the menu are Fuku’s signature sandos — each breaded in-house, served on a butter-toasted potato roll, and available in spicy or mild: the OG Sando with crispy fried chicken, Fuku mayo, and pickles; the Sweet & Spicy Sando with hand-breaded chicken glazed in Fuku Sweet & Spicy sauce, topped with pickled daikon and Fuku Crunch; and the Miso Ranch and Slaw Sando with crispy chicken, rice vinegar slaw, and miso scallion ranch. Sandos range from $10 to $12.
Beyond sandos, the menu features OG Tenders and Sweet & Spicy Tenders, Wedge Salad, Waffle Fries, Party Fries (topped with Fuku Mayo, Miso Ranch, Honey Mustard, Fuku Crunch, and scallions), Chicken Garlic Rice, Crunchy Slaw, Cucumber Salad, Potato Salad and craveable extras like Momofuku Chili Crunch and pickled toppings. For dessert, guests will enjoy a collaboration with Fookem’s Fabulous, the renowned Coconut Grove bakery, and Milk Bar cookies bringing a beloved fan-favorite classic into the mix. The beverage lineup keeps things equally cool and casual, with oolong sweet tea, yuzu lemonade, fountain sodas, slushies and a curated selection of wine and canned beer. Tenders range from $9 to $10, and sides from $4 to $6, with slushies and beverages priced at $3 to $6, offering approachable price points for casual dining or quick takeout.
The 2,000 square-foot Coral Gables location features an urban contemporary design with a welcoming, bright atmosphere. The interior showcases Fuku’s playful peach color, inspired by its namesake Momofuku, or “lucky peach.”
To mark opening day on Wednesday, March 11, Fuku will offer a series of on-site experiences and local collaborations, including:
- Fuku’s Lucky 135 Drop: In recognition of the address at 135 Miracle Mile, the first 135 guests will receive a limited-edition tote designed by artist West of Chester, Momofuku Chili Crunch, Milk Bar cookies, a $20 Fuku gift card and Fuku brand merchandise. Five surprise “golden bags” will include a $100 Fuku gift card.
- Beverage Highlights: Selections from a community loved craft brewery
- On-site Experiences: Guests can enjoy interactive moments throughout the day, including a vintage photo booth and custom Fuku T-shirt screen printing.
With its laid-back, street-forward energy and menu built around fried chicken done right, Fuku Coral Gables is set to become a must-visit destination for locals, visitors, hospitality insiders, and anyone chasing the next flavor hit.
Guests of Fuku Coral Gables can enjoy dine-in or takeout, with convenient options for every lifestyle. Hours of operation will be Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday to Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, please visit eatfuku.com and follow on instagram at @fuku.
FOODIES
BANH at Books & Books: Where Bold Bites Meet Brilliant Minds
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There’s something poetic about biting into a perfectly crisp Bánh Mì while standing inside a bookstore. Stories in your hands. Flavor explosions in your mouth. And at the center of it all? A chef who thrives on pressure, precision, and just the right amount of playful flair.
Welcome to BANH, now open inside the Café at Books & Books in Coconut Grove — where bold Vietnamese flavors meet literary charm.
Chef Phuoc Vo isn’t your average chef — unless your average chef has cooked at the Ritz-Carlton, the JW Marriott, and Disneyland.
With over a decade in some of the country’s most respected kitchens, Phuoc is classically trained but globally inspired. He’s the kind of chef who obsesses over precision — knife cuts sharp enough to whisper, sauces balanced like a symphony — but never forgets that food should be fun.
You may recognize him from the Ciao House (where he was a finalist) or Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out, where he proved he can keep his cool even when the culinary chaos is dialed up to eleven.
Calm under pressure. Creative under fire. And always cooking with intention.
What Is BANH?
BANH is the delicious brainchild of Executive Chef Phuoc Vo and partner Aidan Friedson — and it’s all about bold Vietnamese flavors served fresh, daily, and unapologetically vibrant.
At the heart of the menu? The iconic Bánh Mì sandwich.
Crisp baguette. Savory fillings. Pickled vegetables with snap. Fresh herbs. A swipe of sauce that makes you pause mid-bite just to appreciate life for a second.
These aren’t just sandwiches. They’re handheld masterpieces.
And because no great bite should go thirsty, BANH also offers The Daily Sip, a curated beverage menu designed to complement every flavor-packed sandwich. (Yes, that Vietnamese iced coffee might just change your afternoon plans.)
🌎 A New Chapter for Vietnamese Flavor in the Grove
Inside the beloved bookstore, BANH feels like the culinary equivalent of finding a plot twist you didn’t see coming — but absolutely love.
It’s polished yet approachable. Refined yet playful. Serious technique without taking itself too seriously.
Phuoc’s cooking philosophy shines here:
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Bold flavors
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Thoughtful details
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Memorable bites
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Zero pretension
The Power Duo
If Phuoc brings the fire and finesse, Aidan Friedson brings the future-focused vision.
A two-time champion on Chopped Junior and a graduate of the Miami Herbert Business School, Aidan grew up immersed in hospitality. For him, food isn’t just about flavor — it’s a universal language. A connector. A storyteller.
Together, Phuoc and Aidan are blending culinary artistry with entrepreneurial energy, building something that feels both rooted and forward-thinking.
The Perfect Pairing
Books spark imagination. BANH sparks your taste buds.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch between chapters, fueling a book club meeting, or just wandering the Grove looking for your next great bite — this is your spot.
Expect:
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Crunchy baguettes with tender, flavor-packed fillings
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Bright herbs and punchy pickles
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Drinks that actually complement the food
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A chef who genuinely loves what he does
And honestly? You can taste that.
In a neighborhood known for creativity and culture, BANH fits right in — a little refined, a little rebellious, and completely unforgettable.
Next time you’re in Coconut Grove, follow the smell of fresh baguettes.
The story — and the sandwich — is just getting started.
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Jawn Staff
July 7, 2017 at 2:50 pm
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