David Chang’s Fuku Takes Root in South Florida
On March 11, 2026, Fuku, the renowned fried chicken concept from chef David Chang, will officially open its doors in Coral Gables, Florida. This grand opening marks Fuku’s first standalone location in South Florida, a significant milestone for the brand known for its crave-worthy fried chicken sandwiches.
The Journey of Fuku: From Secret Menu to Nationwide Sensation
Originally an off-menu item at Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City, the Fuku sando quickly captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its explosive flavors and unique offerings led to the opening of its first location in the East Village in 2015. Fast forward to today, and Fuku has expanded to 15 locations across major stadiums and arenas throughout the United States, with plans for further growth in South Florida.
Why Coral Gables?
“This opening is about bringing Fuku back in a way that feels authentic and fun,” Chang stated. The Coral Gables location aims to create a vibrant atmosphere where patrons can enjoy the energy of Fuku—whether grabbing a quick takeout or sharing a meal with friends.
Menu Highlights: What to Expect
The menu at Fuku Coral Gables is centered around its signature fried chicken sandwiches, each crafted with care and attention to flavor. The offerings include:
- OG Sando: Crispy fried chicken, Fuku mayo, and pickles on a butter-toasted potato roll.
- Sweet & Spicy Sando: Hand-breaded chicken glazed with Fuku Sweet & Spicy sauce, topped with pickled daikon and Fuku Crunch.
- Miso Ranch and Slaw Sando: Crispy chicken, rice vinegar slaw, and miso scallion ranch.
Prices for the sandwiches range from $10 to $12, making it an accessible choice for casual dining. Additionally, the menu features:
- OG Tenders and Sweet & Spicy Tenders ($9-$10)
- Wedge Salad and Waffle Fries ($4-$6)
- Party Fries topped with various sauces ($6)
- Chicken Garlic Rice, Crunchy Slaw, and several refreshing sides ($4-$6)
For dessert, guests can enjoy a collaboration with Fookem’s Fabulous, featuring delightful treats from the Coconut Grove bakery, alongside Milk Bar cookies.
Unique Opening Day Experiences
To celebrate its opening day, Fuku will host several engaging activities:
- Fuku’s Lucky 135 Drop: The first 135 guests will receive a limited-edition tote, Momofuku Chili Crunch, Milk Bar cookies, and a $20 Fuku gift card.
- Interactive Experiences: A vintage photo booth and custom T-shirt screen printing will add to the day’s excitement.
Fuku is committed to providing a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors, and CEO Claudia Lezcano, a South Florida native, sees this opening as a true homecoming. “This represents just the beginning of our expansion plans,” she mentioned, hinting at more locations and innovative menu items on the horizon.
Creating a Casual Dining Experience
The Coral Gables location is designed with urban contemporary aesthetics, featuring a bright and inviting space. The playful peach color palette, inspired by the concept’s namesake Momofuku, adds to the eatery’s charm.
Guests can choose between dine-in or takeout options, accommodating various lifestyles. Fuku’s operating hours are Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What This Means for the South Florida Food Scene
The arrival of Fuku in Coral Gables is poised to shake up the local dining landscape. For food and beverage professionals in the region, this opening signifies a growing trend towards chef-driven eateries that prioritize quality and creativity. Fuku’s commitment to bold flavors and a casual dining experience aligns with shifting consumer preferences for unique culinary adventures.
Incorporating insights from industry leaders and trends, Fuku’s expansion reflects the increasing demand for fast-casual dining options that do not compromise on quality. Restaurants in South Florida can look to Fuku as a model for successfully merging innovative concepts with a welcoming atmosphere.
Join the Conversation
As Fuku prepares to open its doors in Coral Gables, the excitement in the community is palpable. Are you looking forward to trying their famous fried chicken sandwiches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For further insights into the food and beverage industry, check out our articles on Trends in Fast-Casual Dining and Creating an Engaging Dining Experience.
Stay updated on Fuku and their future expansions by visiting their website eatfuku.com and following them on Instagram at @fuku.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success, Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
