Oakland, California Hot Spot "Home of Chicken and Waffles" Expands Reach Opening Sister Restaurant in Walnut Creek

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Home of Chicken and Waffles, a favorite Oakland based Soul Food restaurant since 2004, has expanded its reach by opening a sister location in the Northern California city of Walnut Creek located at 1653 Mount Diablo Boulevard.  Restaurateur Derreck B. Johnson opted for a soft opening the last week in July to a very warm and enthusiastic reception from the community.

"We have enjoyed tremendous support from the residents of Walnut Creek.  "I am thrilled that our menu has translated so well, evident by the overwhelming and steady turnout we've maintained since we opened," said Johnson.

The original Home of Chicken and Waffles is one of the most popular restaurants in Oakland, offering an extensive Southern food menu that ranges from waffles served with perfectly fried chicken to honey brown sugar yams and good old fashioned southern greens.  The dishes are all personally named after Johnson family members and include such irresistible offering as:

Jade's Joy – Buttered Waffles with Turkey sausage

Lord BJ – Chicken prepared Southern Style or Smothered in Gravy with onions and waffles

Dale's Choice – Chicken Tenders served with Yams and a Waffle with choice of ranch or BBQ sauce

Macaroni & cheese, corn bread and black eyed peas are a staple at HCW.  Savory breakfast items range from egg white veggie omelets to scrambled eggs with cheese and onions served with homemade grits.  

The Oakland location is an authentic melting pot of culture and diversity.  It is also not uncommon to see celebrities mingling with politicians or authors and professors dining with their mentees.  The Oakland based patrons include music artists Eric Benet and Lalah Hathaway, athletes Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry of the Golden Gate Warriors as well as Oakland Raider's Head Coach Hugh Jackson.  During Football Season popular radio station Live 105 broadcast their show from inside the restaurant after every home Raider Game.  

Following suit, there's no shortage of familiar faces in Walnut Creek.  Diners were treated to a surprise visit by newly elected California State Attorney General Kamala D. Harris on opening day.  The response in the San Francisco suburb has been so positive that Johnson keeps the kitchen going until 4:00 am during weekend nights.  Local favorite and 80's swooner Frankie Beverly, of the group MAZE, has become a regular.  

Chef Mike Scoggins is the mastermind behind HCW dishes.  Scoggins provides a welcoming presence at both locations and can be found chatting with diners, telling stories and making menu suggestions to those unfamiliar with a Soul Food selection.  Chef Mike has enjoyed an extra special welcome by the Walnut Creek patrons and said, "I love the opportunity to be here and really do my thing!  I talk to customers daily and they all say the same thing... 'The food is just great!'"

HCW's interior was designed by Marguerite Thompson (known for designing the ad offices of Carol H. Williams) and echoes the down home feeling of a close knit family.  The walls are adorned with inviting Johnson Family portraits.  Everything about HCW is extremely personal for Johnson.  He adds that "family and community are invaluable assets. We want our customers to have the feeling of eating a home cooked meal in an environment where they do not feel rushed or stuffy."

For more information or to visit one of the restaurants please contact Chrisette Hudlin at [email protected] or call (310) 678-4336.  

For online information please visit www.homeofchickenandwaffles.com.

SOURCE Home of Chicken and Waffles