Food truck Pops Hot Chicken officially expanded with a location at American Eat Co. at 1439 S. Fourth Ave.
Even though the stand opened a few days ago, people are waiting as long as 45 minutes during peak lunch hours, owner Peter “Pops” Yucupicio said.
The menu at the new location is similar to the truck, which is still in operation. While the truck uses chicken thigh, the new location uses chicken breast for the sandwiches.
Each Chicken Sando ($9) features a fried organic chicken breast, slawvacado (avocado slaw), house-made pickles, and the house PHC sauce. Customers choose their spice level ranging from no spice to x-hot+ for the thrill seekers. (I’m a chili enthusiast and a x-hot [no plus] was my ideal heat level.)
Don’t forget to order an Agua Fresca ($3). They’re on the sweeter side, which is a relief when chowing down on a spicy sando.
The menu also offers Fresh Cut Fries ($3). Top it with slawvacado and PHC sauce for the Fire Fries ($4.50), and add chicken on top of all of that for the Sway Fries ($9).
Now with additional refrigeration and space, look forward to an expanded menu and experimental specials. Some tentative items include empanadas, mac and cheese with chicken, chicken and waffle breakfast sandwiches, French toast chicken sandwiches, and more.
Operating hours are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (or until they sell out) daily.
American Eat Co. is located at 1439 S. Fourth Ave. Keep up with Pops Hot Chicken on Instagram.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
