A Peruvian-Style Rotisserie Restaurant
Viva Chicken is a popular restaurant chain that specializes in Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken. The restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a modern twist on traditional Peruvian cuisine.
The menu at Viva Chicken features a variety of rotisserie chicken dishes, including quarter, half, and whole chicken options, as well as salads, sides, and sandwiches. In addition to their signature chicken, the restaurant also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for a diverse group of diners.
Viva Chicken takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and preparing their dishes from scratch. The chicken is marinated for 24 hours in a blend of herbs and spices before being slow-roasted on a rotisserie to create a juicy and flavorful dish. The restaurant also sources its produce locally whenever possible.
With locations in several states across the United States, Viva Chicken has become a go-to spot for those looking for a delicious and unique dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch or a sit-down dinner with friends and family, Viva Chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings for Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken.
The History and Founding
Viva Chicken was founded in 2013 by Bruno Macchiavello, a Peruvian native with a passion for cooking and a desire to share his culture’s cuisine with others. Macchiavello immigrated to the United States in 1997 and worked in various restaurant jobs before deciding to open his own Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken restaurant.
The first Viva Chicken location opened in Charlotte, North Carolina, and quickly gained popularity among locals for its fresh and flavorful chicken dishes. With its success, Viva Chicken began expanding to other cities, including Raleigh, Durham, and Charleston.
Macchiavello’s vision for Viva Chicken was to create a casual and approachable restaurant that offered high-quality, authentic Peruvian cuisine. He wanted to showcase the diversity of Peruvian cuisine, which is influenced by indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques as well as Spanish, African, and Asian influences.
To create his signature rotisserie chicken, Macchiavello draws on traditional Peruvian flavors such as aji amarillo, a spicy yellow pepper paste, and Peruvian herbs like huacatay and oregano. He also sources his chickens from local farms that raise their birds without antibiotics or hormones.
Today, Viva Chicken has over a dozen locations in several states across the United States, and continues to be a popular destination for those looking for delicious and authentic Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken.
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Viva Chicken Menu: Peruvian-Inspired Dishes and Flavors
Viva Chicken’s menu features a variety of Peruvian-inspired dishes that highlight the flavors and ingredients of traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Here are some of the restaurant’s most popular menu items:
- Rotisserie Chicken:
Viva Chicken’s signature dish is its slow-roasted Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, which is marinated for 24 hours in a blend of herbs and spices. Customers can choose from quarter, half, or whole chicken options.
- Peruvian-style Salads:
The restaurant offers a variety of salads, including the Quinoa Crunch, which features quinoa, mixed greens, avocado, and corn, and the Ceviche Causa, which includes lime-marinated seafood on a bed of whipped potato.
- Sandwiches:
Viva Chicken’s sandwiches are served on artisanal bread and feature ingredients like avocado, roasted red pepper, and aji amarillo aioli. The most popular sandwich is the El Cholito, which includes rotisserie chicken, avocado, and huancaina sauce.
- Sides:
The restaurant offers a variety of sides, including Peruvian-style street corn, yucca fries, and black beans and rice.
- Beverages:
Viva Chicken offers a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, including chicha morada, a traditional Peruvian drink made from purple corn, and Inca Kola, a popular soda in Peru.
Viva Chicken’s menu showcases the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine while also offering vegetarian and gluten-free options to cater to a diverse group of diners. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients ensures that every dish is of the highest quality.
Commitment to Sustainability and Locally Sourced Ingredients
Viva Chicken is committed to sustainability and supporting local farmers by sourcing its ingredients from nearby farms whenever possible. The restaurant believes that using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients not only supports the local economy but also leads to better-tasting food that is healthier for the environment.
The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its sourcing practices. Viva Chicken has implemented a number of eco-friendly measures in its operations, such as using compostable packaging and utensils made from renewable resources, recycling materials, and reducing food waste.
In addition to its environmental efforts, Viva Chicken is also committed to giving back to the community through various charitable initiatives. The restaurant partners with local organizations to donate food and resources to those in need, such as food banks and homeless shelters.
Overall, Viva Chicken’s commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients is a key part of its mission to provide high-quality, authentic Peruvian cuisine while supporting the local community and environment.
Locations of Restaurants in the United States
Viva Chicken had 15 locations across several states in the United States.
Here is a list of the states where you can find a Viva Chicken restaurant:
- North Carolina: Charlotte, Huntersville, Ballantyne, University City, Blakeney, Morrisville
- South Carolina: Charleston, Columbia
- Virginia: Richmond, Short Pump, Midlothian
- Florida: Jacksonville
- Georgia: Suwanee, Sandy Springs
Note that this information may have changed since my knowledge cutoff date. It’s always a good idea to check the official Viva Chicken website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on restaurant locations and hours of operation.
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The Dining Experience : Atmosphere, Design, and Customer Service
The dining experience at Viva Chicken is designed to be casual and approachable, with a focus on friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant’s decor is inspired by the vibrant colors and patterns of Peruvian textiles, with murals and art that showcase the culture and cuisine of Peru.
The seating is designed for comfort, with a mix of communal tables and individual tables that can accommodate groups of all sizes. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with Latin music playing in the background.
Customer service is a top priority at Viva Chicken, with staff members trained to be knowledgeable about the menu and able to make recommendations based on diners’ preferences. Orders are taken at the counter, and the food is served on reusable plates with compostable utensils.
Overall, the dining experience at Viva Chicken is designed to be warm, welcoming, and enjoyable, with a focus on showcasing the flavors and culture of Peruvian cuisine in a comfortable and relaxed setting.
