21-Year-Old Revives Iconic Mini Hut in Garfield Ridge After Owner's Passing

Brett Gomez brings back the beloved Southwest Side chicken institution known for its secret butter crust breading.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 21-year-old lifelong Garfield Ridge resident, Brett Gomez, has revived the iconic Mini Hut restaurant in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood after the passing of its longtime owner, Don Engel. Gomez, who has experience in the food industry, worked to recreate the restaurant's signature butter crust breading by tracking down former Mini Hut employees. The neighborhood institution, which first opened in 1972, is now back open and serving its beloved fried chicken to eager customers.

Why it matters

Mini Hut was a beloved community staple in Garfield Ridge for over 50 years, and its closure after the owner's death left a void in the neighborhood. Gomez's efforts to revive the restaurant and preserve its legacy and unique recipes highlight the importance of small, family-owned businesses in local communities.

The details

Gomez, a 21-year-old lifelong Garfield Ridge resident, purchased the Mini Hut business after the death of its longtime owner, Don Engel, in 2022. Engel had operated the restaurant since the early 1990s, serving its signature fried chicken with a secret butter crust breading. To recreate the beloved recipe, Gomez tracked down and spoke with former Mini Hut employees who were familiar with Engel's methods. After overcoming some challenges, Gomez was able to replicate the unique breading and reopen the restaurant, which is now serving customers from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

  • Mini Hut first opened in 1972 at Archer and Mayfield.
  • In the early 1990s, owner Don Engel moved the restaurant to Archer and Normandy.
  • Engel operated Mini Hut until his death in 2022.
  • Gomez purchased the business and began the process of reviving Mini Hut in 2024.
  • Mini Hut officially reopened in February 2026.

The players

Brett Gomez

A 21-year-old lifelong Garfield Ridge resident who has purchased and revived the iconic Mini Hut restaurant after the passing of its previous owner.

Don Engel

The longtime owner of Mini Hut, who operated the restaurant from the early 1990s until his death in 2022.

Mini Hut

A beloved fried chicken restaurant that first opened in 1972 in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood, known for its secret butter crust breading.

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What they’re saying

“I've been working in food industry since I was a little kid. When I got out of high school, it was a dream of mine.”

— Brett Gomez (WGN News)

“Working 15 hours a day to run it was a rude awakening and it was a grind, but the best experience I've had.”

— Brett Gomez (WGN News)

“We had to jump through some hoops to get the exact same breading and recipe. Everyone was really helpful and everyone worked for Don. They knew he was such a great guy and wanted to carry on his tradition.”

— Brett Gomez (WGN News)

What’s next

Gomez is planning a big grand opening celebration for Mini Hut on Sunday to mark the restaurant's return to the Garfield Ridge community.

The takeaway

The revival of Mini Hut by a young, local entrepreneur highlights the enduring appeal of small, family-owned businesses that serve as community hubs. Gomez's dedication to preserving the restaurant's legacy and unique recipes demonstrates the power of passing on traditions to the next generation.