Best I Ever Ate? Broaster Chicken at Fleetwood in Springfield, IL.
I love doing my own version of Cooking Channel’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”, because I don’t have to play by their rules and in this installment, I get to go back in time 40 years (and 300 plus miles), to a place that’s no longer around, but still makes me hungry for a food I tend to rail about. But I learned something stunning (to me) along the way.
Picture it, early 1980’s, and I’m starting out my career in Illnois’ state capital, Springfield. Out on the northeast side of town, along Dirksen Parkway, is the Fleetwood Restaurant. It’s far from fancy, but as with most of these kind of places, it’s got good food. And the Fleetwood’s specialty is “broasted” chicken. It’s moist, not greasy, seasoned just right. Darn near perfect; even the chicken breasts.
Now here’s where things get dicey for me. I’ve been railing for several years about how people get all excited to the point of making traffic jams for what is essentially just a piece of chicken on a bun, like at Chick-fil-A. But while doing my homework for this piece, I come to find out, a lot of these trendy chicken places are serving essentially broasted (or simply pressure-fried) chicken, like the chicken I loved at the Fleetwood..
“Pressure frying is also used by some of the larger food-service operations, such as KFC (formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken) and Chick-Fil-A. These companies do not use the term “broasted,” however, since it is trademarked by Broaster Company. Pressure frying can be attempted at home using special equipment.” – Encyclopedia.com
There are recipes on the interwebs for doing your own broasted chicken, though I read pressure cooker makers don’t want you doing it at home, for safety reasons. But, at the same time, apparently broasted uses less oil than fried chicken, so it’s probably healthier for you.
So back to Springfield. Springfield has some historic places still around from the legendary Route 66 era. “The Mother Road” went though Springfield. So there’s the Cozy Dog Drive-In selling batter-dipped corn dogs on a stick; and Sonrise Donuts, so it’s not health food we’re focusing on here.
I guess I need to rethink my complaining about chicken sandwiches, and focus on the traffic jams they create instead.
Read More: ‘Best I Ever Ate’? Broasted Chicken In Springfield, Illinois
#BetterBeBroaster
The perfect pair does exist.🌶️🥤
Nashville Hot Tenders with just the right amount of heat, paired with an ice-cold, crispy coke for the ultimate flavor combo. 🍗🔥
Who else is craving this duo?
Jul 21
A landmark of Broaster Company. 🏗️🤝
In 1997, ground was broken on what would become our administration and training facility. Today, nearly three decades later, this building remains the heart of our operations.✨💡
It`s home to our administrative team and our training kitchen, where operators from around the world come to learn the Broaster process firsthand. This facility stands as a reminder of our ongoing commitment to quality, training, and customer success.
Jul 18
Congratulations to our CEO Excellence Award Winners, Ron Kollasch and @sonjavaliulis ! 🏆🎉
The CEO Excellence Award recognizes team members who consistently go above and beyond their everyday responsibilities, making a meaningful impact on the success of Broaster Company. These individuals embody what we call being "On the Roof", going the extra mile, stepping up when needed, and contributing to the betterment of the company in exceptional ways.
👏 Ron Kollasch, Service Manager
👏 Sonja Valiulis, Food Scientist
Thank you both for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements!
Jul 16
The vision? 🙌🏻👀
A box full of Genuine Broaster Chicken🤩🍗
Jul 15
Some combinations just belong together. 🐔🥔
Crispy, juicy Genuine Broaster Chicken Tenders paired with our golden Savory Crunch Wedges creates a combo customers know and love. From the first bite to the last, it`s a meal that keeps them coming back for more.
Jul 14
Why do operators choose pressure frying? 🍗
✔️ More tender, juicy, and flavorful food
✔️ Less oil absorption and reduced overall oil usage
✔️ Greater food production per machine for a better return on investment
Broaster Pressure Fryers are designed to help operators deliver quality, consistency, and efficiency with every cook cycle.
That`s the power of pressure frying.
Jul 12
Turn up the heat with our Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! 🔥🌶️🧀
Made with our signature Nashville Hot Dust seasoning, these crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks deliver the perfect balance of bold flavor and satisfying crunch. They`re the ultimate appetizer, snack, or shareable side and the perfect new menu item to spice things up.
Ready to bring the heat to your menu? Contact your Broaster representative today to learn more!
Jul 10
Not to influence your next menu special, but… 👀✨
🌽 Pressure Fried Mexican Street Corn
🥔 Savory Crunch Wedge Nachos
With Broaster Foods & Equipment, the menu possibilities are endless. 🙌🏻
Ready to elevate your menu? Contact us today to learn more about our food programs!
Jul 9
Celebrating 2 Years with Broaster! 🎉🐔🥳
Today we`re recognizing TJ and thanking him for two years of dedication, teamwork, and commitment to our customers and fellow employees.
When asked about his favorite memory at Broaster, TJ reflected on the incredible teamwork that goes into meeting customer needs:
"My favorite memory so far is the teamwork put in to meet customer requests on time! We really pull together to take care of our customers."
And his favorite part of the job?
"Being a contributor within the organization and helping others succeed in what they do. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed." #OnTheRoof
TJ`s team-first attitude and willingness to support those around him embody what makes Broaster special. Thank you for all you do, TJ. We appreciate your contributions and are excited to celebrate this milestone with you!
Join us in congratulating TJ on his 2-year anniversary!🌟👏
Jul 8
National Fried Chicken Day calls for the best. 🍗
For generations, Genuine Broaster Chicken has delivered the crispy texture, juicy flavor, and quality that customers keep coming back for. Today, we’re celebrating the chicken that started it all.
Happy National Fried Chicken Day from Broaster Company!
Jul 6
Happy Fourth of July from Broaster Company!❤️🤍💙
Today, we’re celebrating freedom, family, and the food that brings people together. Whether you’re gathering for a backyard barbecue, community event, or holiday meal, we’re honored to be part of your tradition.
To find where you can purchase Genuine Broaster Chicken, use our store locator: https://broaster.com/store-locator/
Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day filled with great food and great company!
Jul 4
"There`s nothing better than a trip to the lake and some crispy Broaster Chicken." 🌊☀️🏖️
Operator Spotlight: @thelodgesouthhaven – South Haven, Michigan
Since 1940, The Lodge has been a staple in South Haven. Originally known as The Curve Inn, the restaurant was purchased by its current owners in 2019 and completely renovated before reopening in 2021. While the space was transformed, their commitment to serving Genuine Broaster Chicken® never changed.
Today, The Lodge is a scratch kitchen in the heart of Michigan`s blueberry country, serving homemade favorites alongside hand-breaded Genuine Broaster Chicken. They put a local twist on their menu with favorites like the Spicy Blueberry Chicken Sandwich. Their love for Broaster Chicken runs so deep that they even top their famous Loaded Lodge Bloody Mary with a Genuine Broaster Chicken tender. The combination of tradition, local flavor, and quality ingredients has made them a destination for both locals and visitors alike.
📍 10336 Blue Star Memorial Highway, South Haven, MI 49090
🌐 www.thelodgesouthhavenmi.com
Next time you`re visiting Southwest Michigan, stop in and experience a South Haven tradition for yourself.
Jul 2
Leftover Genuine Broaster Chicken? Turn it into tomorrow`s lunch! 🥗
Shred up your leftover chicken and add it to your favorite salad for a quick, delicious protein boost. Fresh, flavorful, and a great way to make every bite count.
How do you use your leftover Genuine Broaster Chicken? Let us know in the comments! 🍗
Jun 29
Why do operators love the Broaster Equipment? 🔧🍗
Built for performance, consistency, and safety, the Broaster pressure fryers help operators deliver high-quality food day after day. With programmable cooking profiles, automatic time adjustments, and an integrated filtration system, it’s designed to maximize efficiency while maintaining the quality customers expect.
Reliable. Efficient. Trusted by operators everywhere.
Jun 26
This or That? 👀
Are you choosing the classic crowd-pleaser or turning up the heat?
🍗 Jumbo Popcorn Chicken – made with delicious whole white meat chicken and perfect for sharing.
🌶️ Jumbo Cajun Popcorn Chicken – all the quality you love with a bold Louisiana-style kick.
Which one is a top seller at your location? We would love to hear!
Jun 25
Your customers will thank you. 🙌🏻🐔
When you add the Genuine Broaster Chicken® food program to your menu, you’re serving more than just fried chicken. You’re serving the flavor, quality, and reputation people keep coming back for.
Jun 23
