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Whether or not Seattle enters phase two of Washington’s reopening plan soon, a popular fried bird spot is on its way back. Sisters and Brothers — long known for its mouth-numbing Nashville hot chicken — will open its new location on Elliott Ave W in Lower Queen Anne/Interbay next Tuesday, June 2. When the restaurant arrives, it will be takeout only at first, with a somewhat more limited menu than usual — but the restaurant plans to still serve up several fan favorites, such as chicken and waffles, wings, and tenders.
Sisters and Brothers, which regularly drew crowds in Georgetown for its hot chicken since debuting four years ago, closed its original restaurant in late February, right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Though it had briefly started a pop-up of sorts out of local Georgetown dive Sneaky Tiki, those plans were nixed once Washington’s stay-at-home order was implemented.
But the new location up north was able to move forward after being in the works for nearly a year. Co-owner Jake Manny took over the location formerly occupied by longtime Chinese restaurant Chen’s Village to find more space, but also because it held a special place in his heart. “[Chen’s Village] was my grandfather’s favorite restaurant when I was a little kid,” says Manny, who grew up in the area, but lived in Nashville for a time to ply his trade, while acquiring a test for really spicy fried chicken.
While takeout is the main plan for now, Manny is eager for diners to check out the rest of the remodeled restaurant, whenever it is safe to do so. “We’re really proud of what we’ve done. We have all these great ideas, although we don’t know when they’ll be executed,” he says, noting that the renovated new kitchen is roomy enough to allow staff to social distance, and there will eventually be a patio for outdoor seating. “We’re trying to figure out how to space things out.”
For now, diners will be asked to place orders online, and pickup will be in the front vestibule. Those with large orders are encouraged to call on the phone so the restaurant can manage expectations on timing. “We ask that everyone coming to pick up should wear a mask for the safety of our beloved community, customers and employees,” says co-owner Olivia Hall.
In a few weeks, Sisters and Brothers will also be selling some locally designed face coverings at the restaurant — and cocktails to-go are likely coming soon. “We are really working to make the experience as pleasant as possible while still staying safe,” says Hall.
