New fried chicken, soft serve chain founded by Dave Thomas’ grandson coming to Columbus

A new chicken chain founded by Sean Thomas, the grandson of legendary Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, is expanding into Columbus.

According to a press release from Franchising.com, Minnie Bird has signed a franchise agreement that will bring three locations to the Columbus area. The eatery is known for fried chicken sandwiches, dirty soda, and free soft serve with every order.

It’s unclear where in Central Ohio the eateries will be located, but the first Minnie Bird is slated open in 2027, according to Franchising.com.

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Experienced Columbus restaurant operators Pranay, Ashish, and Bob Patel–who have overseen Subway, Barrio Burrito Bar, and other chains across the Columbus area–have signed on as franchisees.

“We’ve spent years building and operating restaurants in Columbus, so we’re careful about what we take on. Minnie Bird stood out — the food is genuinely different, the model is simple to run, and we saw how guests respond to it. We think it has real room to grow here.” said Pranay Patel in a press release.

Minnie Bird currently operates three locations, all in the Chicago area.

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