RECOMMENDED READING

  • The Power of Menu Simplification: A Case Study of Chili's Grill & Bar Success

    By Ava Ingram • Oct. 31, 2024

  • Starbucks Removes Extra Charge for Non-Dairy Milk: A Menu Development Update

    By Ava Ingram • Oct. 31, 2024

  • Revolutionizing Menus: The Success Behind Noodles' Menu Transformation

    By Ava Ingram • Mar. 10, 2025

  • Exploring Panera Bread's Menu Evolution: Customer Feedback and Marketing Strategies

    By Anastasia Ivers • Jul. 19, 2024

  • Discover the Exciting New KFC Concept: Saucy - A Flavorful Journey

    By Alexander Ivanov • Dec. 26, 2024

  • Exploring Taco Bell's Live Más Café: Reinventing Beverage Innovation

    By Alexander Ivanov • Dec. 9, 2024

  • The Rise of Signature Sauces in QSR: A Deep Dive into Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen's Latest Menu Addition

    By Aaron Ishikawa • Jul. 21, 2025

Restaurant Association Logo

Restaurant Association

Empowering restaurant professionals with free resources, training, and networking opportunities to build successful businesses.

Sign Up Free

Pages

  • Articles
  • News
  • Topics
  • Shows
  • Academy
  • Events
  • Jobs

About

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap

Resources

  • Library
  • Templates

Connect

LinkedInInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
  • Editorial Ethics Policy
  • Review Guidelines
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Restaurant Association. All rights reserved.

logo
  1. News
  2. Topics
  3. Shows
  4. Academy
  5. Events
  6. Jobs
  7. Resources

    Videos

  • No results found

  • Articles

  • No results found

Log InSign Up Free
logo
LoginSign Up

    Videos

  • No results found

  • Articles

  • No results found

  1. Shows
  2. Academy
  3. Events
  4. Jobs

Become a member of the Restaurant Association!

Unlock exclusive access to webinars, events, and the latest news for FREE!

Sign up
Restaurant Association Logo

Exploring the Trendy World of Chicken Tenders: The Story of Tender Crush by Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan

Discover the journey of Tender Crush, a fast-casual dining concept by Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan, bringing a unique twist to chicken tenders in New York City.

Updated On Oct. 3, 2024 Published Oct. 3, 2024

Ava Ingram

Ava Ingram

focus photography of building windows

Photo by Burgess Milner on Unsplash

The Birth of Tender Crush: From CrazyShakes to Chicken Tenders

Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan, known for their extravagant CrazyShakes, expanded their culinary empire by venturing into the chicken tender segment with Tender Crush. The duo's innovative approach to reimagining classic comfort food led to the establishment of a fast-casual concept that celebrates the diverse flavors of New York.

A New York Culinary Experience: Menu Highlights and Inspiration

Tender Crush's menu is a nod to the eclectic food scene of New York City, with creatively named items like the Williamsburg Waffle fries and the Staten Island Crunch. By infusing quality ingredients and culinary expertise into chicken tenders, Barish and Mulligan aim to elevate this familiar dish into a gourmet experience.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506956191951-7a88da4435e5?ixid=M3w2MjYzNjJ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5fHxUZW5kZXIlMjBDcnVzaHxlbnwwfDB8fHwxNzI3OTgwMzMxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3

Photo by Burgess Milner on Unsplash

Innovative Offerings and Flavor Combinations

Customers at Tender Crush can savor a variety of chicken tender options, from classic fried tenders to marinated grilled alternatives. The menu is further enriched with flavorful dipping sauces like buttermilk dill and sweet chili pop, enhancing the overall dining experience. To complement the meal, patrons can enjoy soft serve vanilla custard and a selection of local craft beers, adding a unique twist to traditional fast-casual dining.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1461280360983-bd93eaa5051b?ixid=M3w2MjYzNjJ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHxUZW5kZXIlMjBDcnVzaHxlbnwwfDB8fHwxNzI3OTgwMzMxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3

Photo by Burgess Milner on Unsplash

Designing Authenticity: The Ambiance of Tender Crush

Barish and Mulligan meticulously crafted the interior of Tender Crush to capture the essence of New York City. Drawing inspiration from nostalgic corner stores and subway themes, the restaurant provides diners with a multisensory experience that resonates with the city's spirit. The thoughtful design elements reflect the duo's commitment to creating a vibrant and welcoming dining environment.

Expansion Plans and Future Prospects

While focusing on establishing New York City as the homebase for Tender Crush, Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan envision expanding their innovative concept to other markets globally. With a proposed location at Terminal 8 in JFK Airport, the duo aims to bring their unique blend of flavors to a wider audience, promising an exciting future for Tender Crush.