Our Story
1946
Coin flips brings John Sobeck to Detroit after WWII
1947
John and Iola get married and open their first business: J & J Ice Cream
1956
The Sobeck's open their first Chicken Shack in Royal Oak, MI
1976
John Sobeck develops his secret recipes
1981
Shack potatoes make their debut on the menu
1985
Chicken Shack opens first franchise in Warren, MI
1990
Largest order in Chicken Shack history
1996
Chicken Shack launches website
1997
Chicken Shack starts bottling and packaging their signature sauces
2000
Original Chicken Shack location gets torn down to build a more modern building
2001
Chicken Shack opens first co-branded store
2002
Voted Michigan's Best Chicken and Ribs by readers of The Detroit News
2003
Chicken Shack serves hungry customers during 2003 Blackout
2006
Chicken Shack celebrates 50th anniversary
2012
Chicken Shack catering trailer is unveiled
2016
Chicken Shack celebrates 60th anniversary
2016
Chicken shack co-founder John Sobeck passes away at the age of 92
2017
Chicken Shack food trucks drive into new markets
2020
Chicken Shack moves into new headquarters
2022
Mobile app launches
2023
Chicken Shack registers Detroit's Original Chicken Shack® to open locations outside of Michigan.