Nanu's Nashville Hot Chicken, a new restaurant, will open this Friday on Court Street, between the bridge and Boscov's department store.
The eatery will offer a simple yet appealing menu, including chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, wings, and shrimp. Additionally, vegetarians can enjoy a cauliflower substitute. Among its specialties, Nanu's will also serve loaded fries.
Nanu's Hot Chicken: New Binghamton Outlet, Open Seven Days
Saad Ahmad from Johnson City and Idil Ibrar from Binghamton are set to manage the new Nanu's Hot Chicken restaurant. This establishment marks the first branch of the Nanu's Hot Chicken franchise to open outside of the Philadelphia region.
According to Ahmad, the restaurant is gearing up to welcome customers every day of the week. Following its opening schedule, the venue will open its doors daily at 11 a.m. To cater to late-night diners, especially later in the week, it will remain open until 3 a.m.
The new Nanu's Hot Chicken in Binghamton has occupied the space formerly occupied by Xtasy Restaurant and Lounge, which closed its doors in 2022. This fresh and vibrant restaurant showcases an artistically designed interior, the result of over three weeks of dedicated work by a talented artist.
Saad Ahmad, the operator, invites locals to try complimentary food samples at Nanu's Hot Chicken's grand opening this Friday. The celebration, set to create a buzz in the city, will run from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Nanu's Hot Chicken: A Family Venture with a Cause
Nanu's Hot Chicken, a new restaurant in Binghamton, proudly serves exclusively Halal food. Its owner and manager, Saad Ahmad, relocated to Johnson City from Brooklyn two years ago. Ahmad's decision to open a franchise was inspired by a visit to the original Nanu's in Philadelphia, established last year by a relative.
The restaurant, named in honor of another family member with Down Syndrome, carries a deeper purpose. A portion of the profits from all Nanu's franchises is dedicated to a foundation that raises awareness about Down Syndrome.
In 1999, Imran, his mother, and his six siblings moved from Pakistan to Brooklyn, joining their father, who had already settled there and was working as a construction worker. When Imran's older brother, Ikram, turned 18, he worked at various halal food carts to contribute to the family's income. Ikram persuaded their father to start their own food cart a year later.
Imran recalls the family pooling their savings to launch their first venture - a chicken-over-rice cart. They set it up in 2003 at 48th and Park Avenue in Manhattan. The business initially did well, allowing them to open two additional carts. This expansion required the help of Imran's second eldest brother, Haroon, and eventually Imran himself, who joined in after school.
However, the family faced challenges trying to establish a permanent restaurant location. Despite their efforts, this venture struggled and closed after a few months.
The taste and the story behind Nanu's fueled Ahmad's journey to Binghamton. "I tried the food in Philadelphia six months ago and loved it. Learning about the franchise's background inspired me to bring this unique flavor to Binghamton," he explained.
What sets Nanu's chicken apart is the variety of custom-made spice blends that are created in-house. These seasonings cater to all preferences, ranging from mild to the extremely hot "reaper" level.
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