Viral East Coast Chicken Sensation Picks Minnesota for First Big Expansion

I remember when restaurants grew in popularity through local advertising and word of mouth. Of course, with all the social media platforms out there, great restaurants can go viral and gain popularity very quickly.

That's how YoYo Chicken grew, one viral video at a time. The halal fried chicken shop opened its first restaurant in 2021 and has since grown to 27 locations, all in New York and New Jersey.

YoYo built its name on a short menu done well: a variety of crispy chicken tenders, smash burgers, wings, and waffle fries, all of it halal. Oh, and don't forget their huge lemon pepper or hot mozzarella sticks or the mac and cheese.

The brand took off on TikTok last year, when food creators began posting mukbang-style taste tests from its counters.

Some reviewers said they couldn't ask for anything better, while others stacked it up against national heavyweights like Dave's Hot Chicken and called it a must-try for anyone visiting New York.

The Viral Chicken Spot Is Ready to Grow

That kind of buzz has become rocket fuel in the restaurant world. Fast-casual chicken has been the standout category in the industry, with sales jumping 24 percent in a single year.

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So when YoYo finally decided to venture beyond the East Coast, you might have expected Chicago, Philadelphia, or maybe Miami. Instead, the brand chose Minnesota. And it didn't even pick the Twin Cities.

YoYo Chicken Lands in North Mankato

YoYo Chicken is opening at 1745 Commerce Drive in North Mankato. The shop is already serving customers in a limited soft launch, with the official grand opening planned for December.

Along with its signature tenders and smash burgers, the menu has grown to include rice bowls, mac and cheese items, and shakes. That should give southern Minnesota diners plenty to try once the doors officially open. You can keep an eye on updates and the full menu through the YoYo Chicken website.

Why a New York Chain Chose Southern Minnesota

The reason behind the move is more of a love story than a business plan. Owners Yadi Vargas and Christian Marte said one of them is from the area, and they were simply tired of living so far apart.

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"The amount of support we have received thus far has touched us in unexplainable ways," Vargas said. She added that the goal is "making sure YoYo Chicken is a safe place whether you want to come eat, or just hang out."

Mankato's Chicken Scene Is Heating Up

However, the real test is still ahead. Minnesotans are loyal to their local favorites, but great food always wins. Plus, there's something fun about a viral brand skipping the big city and betting on a smaller one. If the early buzz is any sign, people around Mankato may soon be the ones making TikToks of their own.