Towards the end of Bobby & Chip's college career at the University of South Carolina, they had talked about an idea to prolong their childhood and try a business of their own. They began brainstorming about opening a restaurant, and inspired by their past workplaces and other restaurants around town, they came up with the concept of The Kickin' Chicken.
Bobby and Chip believed they had a good idea. And knew it might actually work. Besides their parents and a couple of close friends, everyone thought they were crazy. But, with minimal experience and very little knowledge, they dove right in.
They found the cheapest, out of the way place in the worst location imaginable and they knew they were home. It was next to nothing with no potential, but it was perfect. The doors first opened for business in January of 1997.
That first Kickin' Chicken relocated two more times in Downtown Charleston, to where it is currently located. The next location opened in James Island in 2002, and it did good from the get go. Chip and Bobby realized in order to allow them to expand, they might need to consider another partner. They met David Miller in 2003, and with him they eventually formed RPM Management Co. (Roberts, Perry & Miller) the parent company of The Kickin' Chicken, making David a full-fledged partner. With David's knowledge of the business, The Kickin' Chicken became a place that actually turned a decent profit.In 2004 they opened in Mt. Pleasant, and soon after in 2005 they opened their Summerville restaurant. And, in late 2007, their fifth location opened up in West Ashley. They have hopes of continued growth and expansion in the future.
From the Owner'sÑChip, Bobby & David: What we've learned over the past ten or so years is we owe the little success we've had to many people. First our customers. Thank you. Without you we wouldn't exist. We all agree, we have had some luck, we worked our tails off--but without our staff we wouldn't be where we are today. Thank you to all of our customers, friends, family, employees (past and present) who have made and continue to make our dream a reality.