Restaurateur crowing about Just Chicken venture in Columbus' East Market; New Albany next

D'Andre Martin is adding a new line of fare to his growing culinary résumé.

The cofounder of Pit BBQ Grille & Catering is branching out on his own with Just Chicken, a poultry-centric venture that offers deep-fried chicken sandwiches, tenders and loaded hand-cut fries.

Just Chicken was scheduled to open Sept. 17 at the East Market, a food hall and retail venue at 212 Kelton Ave. on Columbus' Near East Side. He also plans to open another Just Chicken in the next month or so at Bubbly Hall, 6031 Central College Road in New Albany.

In addition, Martin said, he expects to open Pit BBQ spots at East Market in the next couple weeks and at Bubbly Hall in a couple months.

"Chicken is definitely the No. 1 most eaten meat in the world," said Martin, whose first store's scheduled opening date is Sept. 17 at the East Market, a food hall and retail venue at 212 Kelton Ave. on Columbus' Near East Side.

It's that simple, he said, even though he spent six months on research and development to perfect the recipe.

"I was up at 3, 4 o'clock in the morning cutting up chicken breast," he said.

He uses all-natural, all-Ohio chicken breasts for his sandwiches, tenders and topping on loaded fries.

They are dipped in a spice blend, including paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and other spices, battered, dipped once again in the spice mix and deep-fried.

Sandwiches are served on a focaccia bun made at Stan Evans Bakery in Grandview Heights. They're topped with a pickle, homemade coleslaw upon request and one of three scratch-made sauces: the signature, mayonnaise-based choice, honey mustard made with real honey and buttermilk ranch.

Martin had inspiration from his two children, too ? daughter and son, Avery, 4, and D'Andre Jr., 11, both fans of Raising Cane's.

Martin said he had to create something better, sauce included, to get his children on his side.

It worked.

"My son's not a storyteller," the father said. "He tells the truth. He said, 'Dad, this is my favorite chicken.'"

Martin's wife, A'Leah Martin, agrees with their children.

"I think it's amazing," she said. "It tastes good for sure. I think the sauces are unique. I think people will really enjoy it."

Sandwiches are $10, tenders $2.50 each and loaded fries, topped with mozzarella, provolone, parsley and sauce $12.

Martin, Mike Johnson and former Ohio State Buckeyes football players Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa, opened the Pit BBQ Grille & Catering, which now has three locations ? Clintonville, North Market Dublin and Budd Dairy Food Hall in Italian Village.

"I want to have four locations of Just Chicken here by the end of next year," he said. "We're also looking outside of the state."

The carryout style of operation suits Martin.

"If you have a stall, you can pump out as much food as possible."

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and closed Mondays.

For more information, go to justchickencolumbus.com.

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@ThisWeekGary

This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Pit BBQ cofounder eyes Columbus' East Market, New Albany's Bubbly Hall