Pop-Up Chicken Shop has been steadily gaining popularity since its inception in a Bloomington VFW hall in 2018, according to owner Aaron Francis. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a devastating impact on the restaurant industry nationwide, Francis managed to keep up with demand by hiring additional staff members. The business opened its first brick-and-mortar location in August 2022, and Francis reported an even more enthusiastic response in its first year of operation.

Motivated by this success, Francis is now expanding his restaurant concept to Peoria’s Warehouse District. The new Pop-Up Chicken Shop location is slated to open in the spring of 2024.

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Francis attributed the growing popularity of Pop-Up Chicken Shop to the establishment’s loyal customer base in both Bloomington-Normal and Peoria. He revealed that he has received numerous requests from friends and patrons alike to bring a location to the Peoria area.

Situated in the heart of the Warehouse District, the new restaurant will be housed at the Adams & Oak development. These commercial units, which can accommodate between five and ten tenants, are part of a larger mixed-use project spearheaded by the Baldovin Development Co. The Center, a neighboring development featuring additional retail units, apartment space, and a food hall and market, is also under construction.

Renovations on the restaurant space will be handled by Baldovin Construction, with the aim of completing the project by March of next year, according to Peoria developer Casey Baldovin. Once complete, Francis envisions a storefront that is “very bright and white” while retaining its vintage charm.