VOL 26 ISSUE 34, Aug. 25, 2025
Delaware North’s Patina Group last week unveiled Hencraft, a new fast-casual chicken brand designed to deliver bold flavors, inventive sides and a fresh take on the classic chicken sandwich.
The launch marks the company’s latest move to expand its culinary portfolio with a concept that blends crave-worthy food with a spirited brand identity.
Born in Buffalo and built to scale
Hencraft is launching its prototype brick-and-mortar location in downtown Buffalo, N.Y., directly across from the global headquarters of Delaware North. As such, the announcement made headlines in Buffalo, with local outlets such as WGRZ, WKBW, Buffalo Business First and Buffalo Rising featuring the concept.
What began as a test kitchen concept quickly evolved into a full-fledged brand with national ambitions. Industry publications also took notice, with additional stories in publications such as Restaurant Business and Restaurant Hospitality.
“We initially intended to create a bit of an incubator space near our headquarters where we could continue to ideate in a commercial setting,” said John Kolaski, president of Patina Group. “But the more we developed this brand on a parallel path, the more we loved the idea of growing from our hometown and beyond. Now I like to say we’re cooking up the second-best chicken invention Buffalo’s ever seen – and we’re excited to share it with the world.”
In addition to its original location in Buffalo, Hencraft is set to expand nationwide through Delaware North operations – with up to three new outposts launching in 2026, bringing bold flavor to even more corners of the country.
A menu that hits different
At the heart of the launch is the CLT (chicken, lettuce, tomato) – a golden-crusted fried chicken sandwich stacked with crisp lettuce, briny pickles and creamy kewpie mayo on a warm, buttery sesame bun. It’s a sensorial experience that’s as punchy as it is satisfying.
Vegetarian options bring just as much flavor to the table, with bold, satisfying bites that go beyond the basics. These crave-worthy creations are also designed to hit different – no chicken required.
Also debuting are pickle fries – a crispy, tangy and addictively snackable side – and a beverage program that will include a cold-pressed pink lemonade that’s crafted with simple ingredients such as non-GMO lemons and a touch of cayenne. A rotating selection of canned alcoholic beverages, including 100% organic wine spritzes from Romana, will round out the menu.
Full menu details will be announced later this fall.
Brand personality: bold, playful and unconventional
Hencraft’s identity is as bold as its flavors. With a brand voice that’s adventurous, spirited and a little brash, Hencraft invites guests to embrace curiosity and joy through every bite.
Whether you’re a chicken connoisseur or just craving something new, Hencraft promises a flavor-forward experience that redefines what a quick-serve chicken sandwich can be.
Bigger. Better. Bolder. That’s the Hencraft promise.
Stay tuned!
For updates, check out Hencraft.com and follow along on Instagram (@hencraftchicken) and TikTok (@hencraftchicken).