Eurest’s new Fly Chix concept takes flight

Eurest is putting a new spin on perennial favorites like chicken wings and tenders.

The Charlotte-based business-and-industry foodservice provider launched Fly Chix, its newest culinary concept, on Monday.

The launch date was not by happenstance: Monday was Women’s Equality Day, and Fly Chix was developed by a culinary team of women, featuring products from woman-owned companies.

“Fly Chix is more than a culinary concept, it’s a tribute to the trailblazing female leaders, entrepreneurs and chefs who are boldly leading the flock,” said Kim Egan, Eurest’s director of strategic culinary projects. “With this creative collaboration, we’re bringing great flavor, quality food and an experience that hits on all of the senses.”

Fly Chix features twice-cooked chicken wings and hand-breaded chicken tenders tossed in a variety of sauces and rubs from Lillie’s of Charleston, a Black-owned family business founded by Tracey Richardson and her sister Kellye in honor of their aunt Lillie.

Diners can choose from a selection of dipping sauces, as well as craveable side dishes like Baked Pimento Macaroni and Cheese and Not Your Mom’s Three Bean Salad. Every meal comes with quick-pickled carrots and housemade jalapeno-cheddar cornbread.

For dessert, there’s a Cosmic Brownie made with gluten-free brownie mix from Miffy’s Foods. Miffy’s is led by Miffy Jones of Portland, Oregon, the first participant in Eurest’s Business Partner Accelerator program. Miffy’s products have since become Eurest’s exclusive source of brownie mix.

Fly Chix follows the success of Cool Chix, which debuted last year. That concept featured scratch-made chicken nuggets coated with Miffy’s Foods All-Purpose Baking Mix and sauces and seasonings from Lillie’s.

“As women in the culinary industry, we want to lift one another up, and it’s an incredible thrill to do so with a concept like Fly Chix,” Meredith Galat, Eurest’s director of webtrition and culinary standards, said in a statement. “When we crafted this menu, we stayed true to the bold spices and flavors Lillie’s is known for, so it’s what stands out when you bite into a Fly Chix wing.”