A New York City Institution Brings Chicken Tenders to the Forefront
A New York City institution in the food scene has branched out to make chicken tenders your go-to meal.
The Birth of Tender Crush
Since its inception in 2015, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer has been known for its over-the-top shakes and vast burger menu. However, it wasn’t until the chain opened its Midtown location in November 2016 that it added a fried chicken sandwich to the menu.
“It was very, very popular. It was the number three or number four seller on our menu worldwide. It was a really simple chicken sandwich. People seem to really love our fried chicken,” said Stephen Parker, Corporate Chef for Black Tap.
The Rise of Chicken Tenders
Then, following the opening of Black Tap’s Herald Square location, chicken tenders were added to the menu and they were insanely popular with customers. All of the tenders were battered and made in-house, served alongside Black Tap’s house buttermilk dill, Korean BBQ, and lime honey mustard sauces.
After seeing the success that fried chicken had on their menus, Black Tap cofounders Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan, alongside Parker, took the plunge and started a new venture: Tender Crush.
Tender Crush: A New York-Style Fried Chicken Experience
Located in Soho (right next to Black Tap’s Soho store), Tender Crush is the Black Tap team’s take on chicken tenders. The eatery boasts a menu of “New York-style” fried chicken, with each dish inspired by different areas of New York City. Available crispy or grilled, Parker wanted to ensure that each dish was flavorful and gave a nod to the Big Apple and its unique flavors.
The Menu
Among the flavors available are Harlem Hot, Thai Queens, Jackson Heights Heat, K-Town Hot, 32nd St. BBQ, and BKLYN ‘Q, each paying their own homage to these areas of New York City.
Sides and Desserts
Aside from your standard chicken tenders, Tender Crush also offers housemade chicken sandwiches, grilled chicken tenders, and a plethora of sides like their kale salad, waffle fries, truffle mac and cheese and broccolini, truly having something for everyone on the menu. Like Black Tap, Tender Crush doesn’t skimp on the dessert and drink options either, offering customers soft serve custard and a selection of boozy slushes that can also have custard added to them.
A Conclusion
Tender Crush is leaning into the niche that is being naturally carved out for the popular menu item, providing a quick and easy meal option for those on-the-go. With its unique flavors and menu options, Tender Crush is sure to become a staple in the New York City food scene.
FAQs
Q: What is Tender Crush?
A: Tender Crush is a new eatery from the Black Tap team, specializing in New York-style fried chicken tenders.
Q: What are the flavors available at Tender Crush?
A: Tender Crush offers a variety of flavors inspired by different areas of New York City, including Harlem Hot, Thai Queens, Jackson Heights Heat, K-Town Hot, 32nd St. BBQ, and BKLYN ‘Q.
Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available?
A: Tender Crush does not have any vegetarian or vegan options available at this time.
Q: Can I customize my order?
A: Yes, Tender Crush allows customers to customize their orders with different sauces and toppings.
Q: Is Tender Crush open to the public?
A: Yes, Tender Crush is open to the public and located at 529 Broome St. in Soho.
