Dr. Roque Estipona Jr., owner of the first U.S.-based Kukuruku, aims to open doors this spring at 8950 US Highway 64 in Lakeland.
The quick-serve fried chicken concept is popular in the Philippines, and this will be the first of its kind in the U.S. Dr. Estipona tells What Now Memphis there are plans to expand the restaurant franchise in the region and, eventually, the whole country.
“We expect to cater not only to the Filipino community but the entire community who would love to have chicken with distinct flavor,” says Dr. Estipona.
Just one mile from I-40 and minutes from the Wolfchase Galleria Mall in one direction and The Lake District in the other, The Shops of Countrybridge is centrally located in affluent Lakeland.
Kukuruku will be housed in suite 102, formerly Papa Murphy’s Pizza, near Emerald Thai Restaurant and Lennys Grill Subs.
The “deeply delicious” menu features a Filipino favorite, lechon-marinated chicken smothered with batter and fried to perfection, served in original or spicy flavors. “Our chicken is not frozen but marinated and cooked without flour. We simply fry it fresh,” says Dr. Estipona.
Other items include Homestyle Spaghetti, Boba Milk Tea, Chocolate Chip Cookies baked fresh on-site daily, Buttered Corn & Carrots, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Coleslaw, and Flavored Fries like Honey BBQ and Cheddar Cheese.
