Sticky's Finger Joint

Sticky's Finger Joint is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in gourmet chicken fingers, aiming to elevate a classic comfort food for a broader audience. The company was founded in 2012 by childhood friends Paul Abrahamian and Jon Sherman, who identified a gap in the New York market for a high-quality chicken finger concept. Sherman, who previously worked in finance at J.P. Morgan and Bridgewater Associates, transitioned to the restaurant industry with no prior experience, driven by a vision to create a premier chicken finger experience. The duo began by experimenting with recipes and testing their product at parties before opening their first location.

The first Sticky's Finger Joint opened in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, on March 22, 2012, and was featured on the Food Network show “3 Days to Open with Bobby Flay”. The business model is centered on a quick-service format, serving customers through both physical locations and a significant online ordering and delivery operation. Revenue is generated from the direct sale of food and beverages. The core product offering consists of fresh, never-frozen, antibiotic-free chicken fingers and poppers. A key differentiator is the extensive menu of over 18 house-made dipping sauces, with flavors inspired by global cuisines such as Thai Sweet Chili, Vampire Aioli, and General T'Sticky. Beyond the core items, the menu includes chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads, and creative side dishes like truffle parmesan and s'mores fries.

From its inception, the chain experienced rapid growth, expanding from approximately $500,000 in sales in 2013 to over $22 million by 2023. This expansion saw the opening of more than a dozen locations across New York and New Jersey. However, the company faced significant financial headwinds, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges included a decrease in foot traffic in urban business districts, increased operational costs due to a reliance on third-party delivery apps, and soaring prices for key commodities like chicken and potatoes. These pressures, combined with legal issues including a trademark dispute, led Sticky's Finger Joint to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April 2024. The company is currently undergoing a restructuring process to right-size its operations and stabilize its financial position.

Keywords: fast-casual dining, chicken fingers, gourmet sauces, New York restaurant, quick-service restaurant, Jon Sherman, Paul Abrahamian, comfort food, food delivery, restaurant chain, menu innovation, casual dining, chicken sandwiches, food and beverage, restaurant operations, culinary concept, franchise, hospitality industry, urban dining, food business, restaurant management