Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

"Two farm women's secret fried chicken recipe launched an empire that outgrew a gas station and survived the interstate age."

📍 Willowbrook, IL🏛️ Since 1946✅ Still Operating🍽️ Restaurant

The Story

In the late 1930s, two local farm women approached gas station owner Irv Kolarik with their incredible fried chicken recipe. The deal: serve the chicken, buy eggs and poultry from their farm. Almost overnight, the lunch counter business outgrew the gas station bays and moved next door in 1946.

Dell Rhea took over in 1963, giving it its current name. The iconic neon sign was restored in 2017 with a $17,000 National Parks Service grant. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Surprise Facts

→ The original recipe came from two farm women in exchange for buying their eggs

→ The neon sign was shipped to Missouri for restoration in 2017

→ Patrons could watch planes at the adjacent Hinsdale Airport (now gone)

Notable People

Irv Kolarik
Original Owner
1938-1963
Dell Rhea
Namesake Owner
1963-1992
Patrick Rhea
Second Generation
1992-2019
Lombardi Family
Current Owners
2019-present

Visit Information

✓ Open to Visit

Address: 645 Joliet Rd, Willowbrook, IL 60527

Hours: Lunch and dinner daily

Tip: The fried chicken recipe hasn't changed since the 1940s

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