Rob’s Famous Fried Chicken is now open
A new business that’s cluckin’ hot
Is there really a Rob? Yes, dear readers, Rob’s Famous Fried Chicken is named after Rob Caruso. The local man is part of a family business that successfully launched Panini’s Italian Cucina back in 2016. The new chicken take-out hot spot is next door to Panini’s, with sufficient parking nearby.
Pop into Rob’s Famous Fried Chicken to meet brothers Rob, Tony, and James Caruso. The three restaurateurs are often on the scene, when not working on other dining projects. In addition to Panini’s Sherwood Park and the fried chicken outlet on Jasper Avenue that opened March 1, the Carusos are preparing to launch another Panini’s in Edmonton’s West End.
The brothers opened Panini’s with their father Roberto Caruso as their guide. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Roberto Caruso ran a pizza franchise. The sons worked part-time with their father.
Opening their own outlet was a different story. “To be honest,” says Tony Caruso, “I didn’t even know how to make a cappuccino when we started up.”
Many know Panini’s as a restaurant dedicated to the community. As Tony Caruso explains, “We prefer to hire local, including immigrants and newcomers to Edmonton.” As he says this, Tony nods to a newly arrived customer in the fried chicken outlet. “Take this guy, for instance,” he says, pointing at the young man. “I want him to work for me, but he’s got a job. I did manage to hire his cousin.” Between the two restaurants, the staff number more than 50 individuals.
Back to Rob Caruso and his famous fried chicken. The first claim to fame, he says, is that it is Nashville-style hot chicken. “You won’t find Nashville style hot chicken that often in Edmonton.”
Nashville style is typically spicy, combining cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other “secret ingredients.”
Being the coward that I am, I chose an order of two jumbo strips in the “Plain Jane” version, with only a hint of heat. Perfect for those who prefer a gentle nudge of spice.
The white chicken at the centre was perfectly cooked; the coating, crispy but not greasy. The two pieces, served with Hollywood sauce and a tote of slaw, were a satisfying snack while I watched an Oilers game. For tongue-twisting fired-up flavour, head up to the Cluckin’ Hot level, notable for a rating of four chili peppers.
Prices start at $15.50 for the two jumbo strips with complimentary extras. Orders of up to six jumbo strips, party packs, 12 chicken sandwiches, and Rob’s famous wedge-cut fries are among the menu items.
8540 Jasper Ave, next to Panini’s Italian Cuchina
11 am to 11 pm daily
Order online for pick up
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Great article and I love getting the posts in my email.