Today we’d like to introduce you to K.C. Knipple.
Hi K.C., we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Ypsilanti, MI. Kicked out of school, home, and looking at prison time. I met the lady only dreams could create. Tattooed for 15yrs needed a more consistent, professional line of work. Embellished my way into a job as a Garde Manger chef at a local County Club w/no culinary experience or knowledge. All I could do is show up early and out-work everyone. Within 2yrs, I was Chef de Partie. After 8 fulfilling years, I moved on to become an executive Chef at a Hotel Restaurant. 2015 I took the position as Executive Director of Catering services at a small up-and-coming Catering company. August 2018, the opportunity of a lifetime popped up, and I almost didn’t take it. The chance to own a business in the City I grew up in. Employ people from the community I was raised in… Luckily and maybe reluctantly, I did take it! With 3 employees and the ability to outwork anyone in the industry, Ma Lou’s was launched. 5yrs, 10 employees, and a PANDEMIC! Later and Ma Lou’s is a staple in the city that raised me!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Staffing, food cost inflation, and STAFFING!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Ma Lou’s is a fresh, fast casual, scratch-made fried chicken restaurant. We fry chicken fresh to order and prepare all of our mains, sides, and garnishes in-house. With a Nashville-style inspiration, we’re known for Hot Chicken but also deliver our take on traditional fried chicken with a dry salt and pepper brine and prepared-daily batter and dredge! Our best-selling items are our Fried Chicken sandwiches, wings, and our biscuit donuts. What makes me proud is the ability to employ members of my community and allow them the freedom to be creative and inspire them to come up with menu items and specials. What sets Ma Lou’s apart from all others is freshness and quality of ingredients, our kitchen creativity and variety with a focus on regional and international inspirations, and our weekly rotating specials.
How do you define success?
We define success by how many customers return for another meal and how many staff members stay on with us long-term. The ability to share a vision of great food and exceptional customer service with customers who walk in those doors as complete strangers is a sign of peak success for us.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ma-lous.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malousfriedchicken/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaLousFriedChicken/
Image Credits
Bailey Eiland Photography
