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
Back in 1970, a new era began 🔧✨
The Broaster Company enters a major chapter as it’s acquired by Alco Standard Corporation—a leader in premium foodservice equipment.
With this transition, the original four-man partnership comes to a close, and William Johnson steps in as the company’s first president, guiding the future of the brand. #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterHistory
Apr 2
Ask and you shall receive! Our team has been working hard at a new product launch. We are so excited to introduce our 🔥NEW Genuine Broaster Chicken Candle 🍗🕯️
Now you can enjoy that signature, craveable aroma anytime...no fryer required.
Available in:
Original, Spicy, and Nashville Hot 🌶️
Tag someone who would happily purchase this...if it were real! April Fools! 😅
Apr 1
This week we’re in Kearney, Nebraska at the Cash-Wa Show alongside our distributor McCormack Distributing! 🙌
We love getting to connect with operators to talk through our products and equipment, and helping them find the right solutions to fit their needs. #BetterBeBroaster
Mar 31
We’re hitting the road this week to @midwestequipmentco for their Open House and you don`t want to miss it!
We’re talking about everything that makes menus stand out: Genuine Broaster Chicken®, Broaster Express®, Pressure Frying, Smokaroma®, and more. Come experience the difference firsthand.
📍 2511 Cassens Drive, Fenton, MO
🗓 Sunday, March 29 – Tuesday, March 31
⏰ 8 AM – 5 PM
Stop by and let’s talk about how to take your food program to the next level. #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterFoods #GenuineBroasterChicken #PressureFrying #Smokaroma
Mar 30
Why Join the Broaster Express® Program? 🤔👇
🔥 Top-Quality, Ready-to-Cook Menu
⚙️ Efficient Equipment
🛢️ High-Quality Cooking Oils
📦 Branded Packaging
👕 Branded Apparel
🌟 National Brand Recognition
📢 Marketing Support
👨🍳 On-site Training
🚫 No Fees. No Royalties. No Franchise Contract.
📍 Store Locator & Website Support
Boost your business with Broaster Express® ✨ Learn more at broaster.com
Mar 27
Today Chef Ken is going to show you our favorite way to make a Nashville Hot Sandwich using our NEW Nashville Hot Dust! (Product #95239)
Contact your local distributor to order yours! https://ow.ly/Vlvz50YpOOr
Mar 26
This week`s Operator Spotlight goes to Hack`s Pub in Milltown, Wisconsin! ✨
They dedicate their entire Sunday to a Genuine Broaster Chicken special 🍗😋 Not only that, but they offer a full menu of your favorite appetizers, salads, burgers, pizza, and so many other delicious options! 👏
Thank you for being a Genuine Broaster Chicken Operator! #BetterBeBroaster #GenuineBroasterChicken
Mar 25
We`re here at Booth #2802 for the @barandrestaurantexpo in Las Vegas, Nevada! Stop by to see our VF-3 #VentlessFryer in action and get a taste of some #BroasterFoods
#BetterBeBroaster #BarandRestaurantExpo
Mar 24
It’s #NationalCornDogDay 🎉
There’s just something about a hot, perfectly fried corn dog! Celebrate today the right way… with a jumbo corn dog that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and impossible to resist. #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterFoods #CornDog
Mar 21
A moment for TWO of our favorites - Jumbo Popcorn Chicken and Jumbo Cajun Popcorn Chicken!
Our Popcorn Chicken lineup is one of the most versatile items we offer. You can serve them as an appetizer, a snack, as a wrap or sandwich, add into salads, and more! Contact your local distributor to get yours 👇
@rmd_5_2_8_0
@tsbldistributingmn
@taylorfreezerscalifornia
@midwestequipmentco
@woodfoodsystems
@taylorfreezermi
@taylornewengland
@smokendudesbbq
Mar 19
What was Broaster up to in 1954? 👀
The Broaster Company was formed through a partnership between Tom Payne, Walter Blakely, Jerold Spates & Jack Vos.
We began selling our line of specialty foodservice equipment, accessories, and proprietary marinades & coatings through a nationwide distributor network.
We officially trademarked “Broaster” and “Broaster Foods,” protecting the brand for authorized distributors and licensed operators using Broaster Pressure Fryers and signature seasonings.
The foundation for a legacy was set in motion. 🔥 #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterHistory #BroasterFoods #Broaster #PressureFryer
Mar 13
Adding Genuine Broaster Chicken® to your menu isn’t just another item, it turns your location into a destination your customers intentionally go to. 🍗 With Broaster’s proven system, operators get a simple, consistent program that delivers juicy chicken with a signature crispy finish every time.
Why operators love it:
✅ Simple, repeatable process
✅ Built-in brand recognition
✅ Strong margins
✅ A craveable product that drives repeat traffic
Why customers love it:
🍗 Fresh, hot, crispy chicken
🍗 A brand they trust
🍗 A craving that keeps them coming back
Looking to drive traffic and boost ticket averages? Genuine Broaster Chicken makes it easy. Contact us to learn more!
Mar 12
March Madness is almost here, and that means eating lots of chicken wings! 🏀 Need some extra recipe inspiration? We`ve got you covered.
Which of these wings are you adding to your menu? 🍗
Chicken Wing Details:
Chickite® Marinade – Product # 96636
Chickite Supreme Marinade – Product # 96504
Slo-Bro® Coating – Product # 96635
Slo-Bro Extra Spicy Coating – Product # 96403
Crispy Cajun Coating – Product # 95013
NEW Nashville Hot Dust – Product # 95239
#BetterBeBroaster #BroastedChicken #GenuineBroasterChicken #ChickenWings #BroasterCompany
Mar 11
✨ Operator Spotlight! ✨
This week’s spotlight goes to Lakeshore Family Restaurant in Wautoma, Wisconsin! They`re serving up tons of breakfast items 🍳 Mexican favorites🌮 Italian food🍝 Steak 🥩 and our favorite, #GenuineBroasterChicken! 🍗 There`s something for everyone on this menu!
Thank you for being a loyal Genuine Broaster Chicken Operator! #BetterBeBroaster
Mar 9
Happy #NationalFrozenFoodDay! 🍽️🍗 Let us know in the comments, which ready-to-cook Broaster Foods item is your favorite? 😋
Now available nationwide through @dotfoodsofficial #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterFoods
Mar 6
Bring on the HEAT 🔥
Have you tried our NEW Nashville Hot Dust? (Product #95239)
Chef Ken is sharing his favorite ways to use it — from cranking up your chicken to adding a bold kick to fries, sandwiches, and more.
Mar 5
