A Charlotte-based fast casual restaurant chain plans to bring its Peruvian cuisine to metro Atlanta in 2022. Viva Chicken, which specializes in Peruvian rotisserie chicken, plans to open its first Atlanta area location in Kennesaw. The restaurant operator recently finalized a lease on a 3,200 square foot space in Barrett Corners, a new strip center being developed in place of the former Sweet Tomatoes at 1125 Ernest Barrett Parkaway. Viva Chicken's Kennesaw location will pair it with previously announced eateries Five Guys and Maple Street Biscuit Company.
 |
| Viva Chicken co-founders Bruno Macchiavello and Randy Garcia |
Chef Bruno Macchiavello, a native of Peru, and business partner Randy Garcia, opened the first Viva Chicken in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte in 2013. The restaurant, which builds on Macchiavello's family recipes, is most known for their pollo a la brasa, or rotisserie chicken, which is marinated in a Peruvian spice mix for 24 hours before being cooked in a handmade charcoal-fired oven imported from Lima, Peru.
Diners can select a quarter, half, or whole chicken, each accompanied by a variety of sides ranging from sweet potato fries and plantains to chicken soup and canary beans. The restaurant also prides itself on offering several house-made sauces such the mild aji amarillo sauce, the hotter huacatay sauce (with mint, cilantro, and jalapeño), and the spiciest of all, gringo killer, with red Peruvian hot pepper. The restaurant also offers several sandwiches, salads and bowls in addition to a kids' menu.
Dessert options include a churro (where 50 cents from each sale are donated to No Kid Hungry) and tres leches, in addition to house-made drink options such as herbal limeade and Chicha Morada (with Peruvian purple corn, cinnamon, clove, pineapple, apple, lime.)
Earlier this summer, Viva Chicken unveiled the first major brand refresh in the company's history.
The restaurants' hallmark orange remains, although its logo has been refreshed with a modern, edgy typeface — all in capital letters. The “I” in the logo is now topped by a chicken head. The refresh, which is meant to prepare the brand for future growth in the southeast and beyond, also carries over to the restaurant's menu boards, door logos, employee uniforms and to-go packaging.
Have you ever been to Viva Chicken? Are you excited for the opening of Viva Chicken in metro Atlanta? Where in metro Atlanta would you like to see Viva Chicken open next?
Please share your thoughts below.