Chef John Rivers’ new fried chicken venture the Coop opens Thursday, April 17. Last month, we predicted that this restaurant would “do for fried chicken what 4Rivers did for brisket.” We got an early glimpse of the food and the space during a soft opening event on Tuesday night. It’s a fresh, homey, airy space with mismatched wooden chairs, farmhouse tables and an all-around wholesome vibe – it’s the kind of place we imagine will be a popular hangout for high-school students, families and foodies alike. These are some of our tastiest shots from the evening.

April 15, 2014
Chicken and waffles.
John Rivers works the room.
Fried chicken and mac n’ cheese.
Peach, cherry and blueberry hand pies.
Catfish, grits and fried green tomatoes.
Mud pie dessert shot.
Fried catfish, grits and creamed corn.
The dessert case.
Fried chicken and fresh Southern collards.
John Rivers works the room.
They write your order on your kraft-paper tray liner!
Fried green tomatoes.
Hand pies.
Plenty of outside seating.
Lemmy lemonade.
Hand pies.
Retro sodas.