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Petaluma Today
By the People, for the People
HenHouse Hosts Fried Chicken Cook-Off to Wrap Up 'Big Chicken Week'
Five local caterers compete with their own takes on fried chicken at the brewery's Petaluma taproom
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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HenHouse Brewing Company is wrapping up its annual 'Big Chicken Week' celebration with a fried chicken cook-off at its Palace of Barrels taproom in Petaluma. Five local mobile fried chicken vendors and pop-up caterers will compete, offering guests the chance to taste and vote for their favorite, alongside a panel of fried chicken experts. The event will also mark the final opportunity to sample HenHouse's limited-release 'Big Chicken IPA' before it disappears from taps until next year.
Why it matters
HenHouse's Big Chicken Week is a popular annual event that highlights the brewery's limited-release Big Chicken IPA. The fried chicken cook-off provides a flavorful finale to the week-long celebration, showcasing the creativity and culinary talents of local food vendors while giving beer enthusiasts one last chance to enjoy the Big Chicken IPA.
The details
The Big Fried Chicken Cook-Off will take place on Sunday, March 1 from noon to 4 p.m. at HenHouse's Palace of Barrels taproom in Petaluma. Five local fried chicken vendors and caterers will compete, including Api Hot Chicken, Bayou on the Bay, Jam's Joy Bungalow, The Spot, and Thanks For the Invite. Guests will have the opportunity to taste and vote for their favorite, with a panel of fried chicken experts also judging the entries. Live music from the band Grapefruit Moon will provide entertainment throughout the event.
- HenHouse Brewing Company's annual 'Big Chicken Week' is coming to a close.
- The Big Fried Chicken Cook-Off will take place on Sunday, March 1 from noon to 4 p.m.
The players
HenHouse Brewing Company
A brewery with three taprooms in Sonoma and Marin counties, known for its limited-release 'Big Chicken IPA' and hosting the annual 'Big Chicken Week' celebration.
Api Hot Chicken
A mobile fried chicken vendor known for its Nashville-style bird with a Mexican twist, offered in escalating heat levels.
Bayou on the Bay
A catering company led by chef Bradley Wildridge, a contestant on Season 24 of Hell's Kitchen, bringing Cajun sensibility to fried chicken.
Jam's Joy Bungalow
A pop-up catering business run by chef Jamilah Nixon-Mathis, adding a Thai spin on classic fried chicken.
The Spot
A vendor offering inventive fried chicken sandwiches.
Thanks For the Invite
A catering company presenting Italian-inspired interpretations of fried chicken.
What’s next
The Big Fried Chicken Cook-Off on March 1 will mark the final opportunity to sample HenHouse's limited-release 'Big Chicken IPA' before it disappears from taps until next year.
The takeaway
The fried chicken cook-off provides a flavorful finale to HenHouse's popular annual 'Big Chicken Week' celebration, showcasing the creativity of local food vendors while giving beer enthusiasts one last chance to enjoy the brewery's limited-edition Big Chicken IPA.
