How Chick’nCone Is Bringing Walking-Friendly Eats to the Marcum Downtown
Downtown Hamilton has been changing for years now: spring evenings are now full of people enjoying Marcum Park while staying socially distanced, sipping on DORA beverages or eating takeout from various downtown eateries.
Ken Coomer was looking for a career change when he discovered the franchise opportunity of the Chick’nCone company, a sauced fried chicken that comes, in its signature application, in a freshly made waffle cone.
“In searching for my next career, I found this; I thought it’d be a great fit for the Marcum Park area,” says Coomer, owner of Hamilton’s Chick’nCone location. “Hamilton is getting better and better with entertainment, places to eat, and the DORA. I believe some things happen for a reason, and everything just fell in place.”
Coomer found his ideal location on the first floor of the Marcum Apartments building, by other businesses that have found this location ideal for foot traffic to Marcum Park and Riversedge, as well as visitors to the Courtyard Marriott across the street.
With a simple menu that still allows for customization for the customer, Chick’nCone offers an easy-to-eat treat that doesn’t require a fork to enjoy. Guests choose between different sauces, from a Buffalo Blue sauce to the traditional chicken-and-waffles option of a cinnamon and maple sauce. Eaten like a cone of ice cream, the food marries salty and sweet while offering a filling meal.
When we at the Hamiltonian tried it, we could see that the staff knew their stuff and the food was delivered quickly, fresh and hot. A great option for carryout customers are the well-designed food containers that let you bring home your cone of chicken and apply the sauce when you get there, all without taking up a ton of space.
The sides available that day, macaroni and cheese and spiced corn, were both tasty, and a veggie side was a nice complement to the crispy-fried chicken. My personal favorite part was the waffle cone – clearly fresh, it had the vanilla notes and texture that I associate with really good waffles, but in a cone shape.
If you’re not in the mood for the sweet-savory combo, there are also tenders and sandwiches available, all with the same juicy chicken.
In only a few short weeks of being open, Chick’nCone has drawn out families from Hamilton and beyond wanting to taste-test the food and looking for a good reason to get out of the house after a cold winter.
“We’ve actually been busier than expected,” Coomer says. “I thought we’d do well, but we’ve had more people each week, and we’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback via social media.”
Coomer still intends to bring a few new items to the menu, including french fries made perfectly crispy without excess grease in an air fryer. There will also be alcoholic beverages available for purchase after the liquor license is approved, including domestic draft beer, bottled beer, seltzers, and margaritas.
Over the months, there may occasionally be a special sauce feature, allowing regular customers to try the tasty cone of chicken with a new twist.
Coomer is partial to the whole menu, but he does have a favorite flavor that edges the others out – it might be a good first option for you to try.
“Personally, I like the Kickin’ Ranch, it’s both my and my family’s favorite,” says Coomer. “It’s not too spicy for me, but just enough of a kick.”