Memberships for Mary’s Chicken Strip Club have become the talk of the town, selling out in just over 24 hours. Located in Ambler, this pop-up restaurant, created by chef Chad Rosenthal, is quickly gaining a reputation for being the hottest spot around. It’s not your typical establishment—described as akin to a speakeasy, yet operates as a BYOB for chicken sandwiches.
The menu doesn’t shy away from clever puns, including offerings like ‘sexy hot honey’ and chicken strips humorously dubbed ‘landing strips’. The success of the Chicken Strip Club came as no surprise, considering Rosenthal’s established track record within the community.
Once the chef behind The Lucky Well, a beloved barbecue restaurant that closed in late 2023, Rosenthal pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to focus on fried chicken. This transition sparked his Motel Fried Chicken venture, which rapidly gained popularity and expanded beyond Ambler, even establishing a ghost kitchen in San Antonio, Texas.
Rosenthal’s fried chicken is based on a recipe from renowned chef Thomas Keller, incorporating a unique blend of flavors, including a personal touch of smoked paprika. His culinary prowess was further solidified when he appeared on a 2022 episode of Beat Bobby Flay, where his chicken received high praise from celebrity guest Bethenny Frankel.
When he opened his latest venture, Mary, in fall 2024, the demand for his fried chicken sandwiches was unyielding. Customers frequently inquired about the return of the beloved dish, leading to its revival in mid-May during a Motel Fried Chicken pop-up, which ultimately paved the way for the exclusive Mary’s Chicken Strip Club launching on June 1st.
On that first Sunday, the ambience was lively yet intimate. Classic rock anthems played in the background as the orders flowed from the kitchen to eager members awaiting their take-out. Each member received a black-and-gold ‘SOMO’ hat and a numbered membership card, enhancing the exclusivity of the experience.
Local resident Christian Badali, who had fond memories of the chicken from The Lucky Well, expressed his excitement about its return. Meanwhile, Rob Hassler and his neighbor, both from the surrounding neighborhoods, remarked on the unique experience of enjoying member-only food in a suburban setting, likening it to a private club in Philadelphia.
The take-out model allows patrons the flexibility to enjoy their chicken at nearby bars, adding to the communal feel of the experience. Kandy Pottschmidt, a returning customer, remarked on the pleasure of relishing her chicken with a beer at a local bar after picking up her order.
While the exclusivity of the club adds an appealing dimension, it also stems from practical considerations. With the restaurant only open for full service four days a week, the Chicken Strip Club efficiently caters to its regular customers while generating additional revenue. This streamlined operation allows Rosenthal’s team to focus on delivering freshly prepared fried chicken, emphasizing quality over quantity.
Orders are meticulously planned, requiring members to place them online by Thursday evening. This ensures Rosenthal can manage his ingredients effectively, including the precise amount of chicken required for the weekend. Each piece of chicken is treated with care, arriving fresh, brined, air-dried, and fried to perfection for the Sunday pick-up.
The setup accommodates only a limited number of orders, ensuring that quality is not compromised. Although the club is capable of handling around 80 orders, logistical challenges, such as larger orders from individual members, can slow down service. The first day yielded over 50 transactions, hinting at the robust interest in this unique culinary endeavor.
Rosenthal’s approach to membership also allows room for potential growth. Should the demand soften over time, it’s possible to open membership slots to new customers without diluting the experience. The original 100-member limit can be adjusted as necessary, keeping the flavor of exclusivity alive.
Mary’s Chicken Strip Club may have started as a playful concept, but the food speaks for itself. The chicken sandwiches have proven to be hot, tender, and juicy, crafted on a Martin’s potato bun with Kewpie mayo and topped with house-made pickles, presented at a competitive price of $13.
Rosenthal is aware of the balance between price and quality, recognizing that while the sandwich is on the higher end compared to fast-food options, it offers something unique. “It’s not a cheap sandwich,” he notes, acknowledging alternatives like Chick-fil-A without hesitation.
In a time when dining experiences are evolving, Rosenthal’s Chicken Strip Club stands out as a fresh and engaging take on casual dining. With a dedicated following and an enthusiastic community, it’s no wonder that the demand for memberships far exceeded expectations. Whether you’re a fried chicken aficionado or simply seeking a novel dining experience, Mary’s Chicken Strip Club comes highly recommended.
image source from：https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2025/06/12/marys-chicken-strip-club/
