Chook in an eggshell

The idea is simple. We live busy lives. We care about what we eat, what we feed our families, where our food comes from. Food should be delicious, why compromise.

Chook aspires for delicious, responsible food, easy to take home, equally enjoyed in a relaxing and thoughtful environment. An environment where hospitality speaks attention and fun. Food that’s clean, sourced from those that care and respect our land, cooked to the highest ideals. Our guests feel at home, children, families, dates, solo artists. In being a great neighbor.

This is what we do. Delicious. Responsible. Fun.

Why do we do it, you ask Simon?

We aspire for change. For innovation. Collaboration. Equity. Engagement. In the multitude of ways one can make a difference, we’ve found ours through food. Through restaurants. These great halls to gather, to break bread, to honor the past and build for the future.

Our Roots

In 2012, Adam Schlegel lived with his lovely Australian wife and two boys in the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, Australia. Many things to love here, but one recurring component, their local neighborhood chicken shop. Every neighborhood in Melbourne has one. Pick up delicious chicken, cooked fresh and nutritiously, grab tasty salads & sides, and be a hero to your family.

2017, working alongside famed chef Alex Seidel, the idea comes roaring back. For Alex, having built some of the top restaurants in the city/state/country, the excitement stems from creating memorable, delicious food affordable by all, something not just built for special occasions, but for every occasion.

Later that year, Randy Layman, famed barman and hospitality extraordinaire, buys into the idea of building something great, a place to give more than you get, in building teams and communities.

Early 2018, the three take a little jaunt back down to Aus. And from that, a Chook was born.

team chook

Adam Schlegel Founder

Adam’s journey to Chook really started with the egg. As co-founder for Snooze Eatery, Adam led the development strategy, along with sustainable and community initiatives. And is still involved. Along with many non-profits, start ups and government orgs working on better agriculture, education and food opportunities.

ALEX SEIDEL - FOUNDER

Alex is a force in the world of farm to food. From winning the James Beard Best Chef SW in 2018, critically acclaimed restaurants Fruition and Mercantile, to starting his own farm and creamery, Alex walks the talk. Obviously, Alex runs food ideation and direction, along with ethics, growth, and so much more.