What's next for the couple behind Ample Hills
An exclusive sneak peak at Ramblin' Chick
Friends!
I know I am supposed to be on vacation at the moment, but I’ve got some exciting news to share with you that could not wait! It’s a fantastic new concept that’s set to revolutionize the All American Burger game; it comes from a pair of veteran culinary industry creatives, Jackie Cuscuna and Brian Smith, the co-founders of Ample Hills Creamery, the beloved Brooklyn ice cream brand known for its whimsical storytelling, inventive flavors, and nostalgic charm. You know by now the story of Ample Hills, but the pair are resilient and dedicated to imagining the next great food brand, and one or two knocks was not going to stop them from looking ahead and dreaming up the next great thing.
And let me tell you, it’s here. Though this time, it’s not frozen or sweet. It’s a riff on the roadside smashburger. But the burger isn’t beef. It’s cracklin’ chicken – freshly ground from thigh meat, hand-formed, smashed and griddled to crispy craggy perfection. Their game-changing chicken smashburger is the heart of their new fast casual restaurant – Ramblin’ Chick—serving a menu of easy breezy roadside fare: housemade chicken hot dogs steamed in root beer, chicken chili, chicken cheesesteaks, sloppy joes, golden fries, and soft-serve shakes.
At Ramblin’ Chick, Jackie and Brian are building a brand from scratch—literally and figuratively. They’re not just crafting comfort food with bold, regional flavors from across the country—they’re building an outpost for kindred spirits. “Inspired by the dusty highways and heartfelt lyrics of Woody Guthrie, this venture is a celebration of American re-invention, Brooklyn spirit, and the ever-winding road that connects us all,” Jackie said. “A place where flavor meets folklore, and every visit reminds us to keep ramblin’ on.”
And the best news? Strong Buzz premium subscribers will have the chance to preview Ramblin’ Chick before anyone else does! That’s right – Jackie and Brian are doing an exclusive preview for The Strong Buzz community – popping up at No. 7 (627 Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn) on July 22nd to serve us a sneak peak of the Ramblin’ Chick menu.
The Strong Buzz x Ramblin’ Chick menu will include their signature Cracklin’ Chicken Smash Burger – a crispy, juicy chicken smash burger, griddled with savory cracklin’ edges, double stacked high on a toasted bun, and layered with American cheese, caramelized onions and their creamy Ramblin’ Sauce. We’ll also have Brian’s housemade chicken dogs – like nothing you’ve had before—gently steamed in root beer tucked into a classic bun and ready to be topped your way, and his Housemade Chicken Nuggets with Ramblin’ Sauce – made from real chicken, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
On the side, there will be Shoestring Fries with Cracklin’ Dust, stovetop Ooey Gooey Mac ’N Cheese topped with pretzel and potato chip crumble, and so you get your greens, a chopped kale salad tossed with sharp white cheddar, crunchy apples, and toasted seeds, tossed in a maple dressing.
For dessert they’ll be surprising us with something from scratch from their kitchen. “We’re still dreaming up the perfect treat—so stay tuned and save room,” Jackie told me.
To drink, we’ll have wine and beer courtesy of our friends at the beloved Carroll Gardens wine shop Smith & Vine, cans of Roseade, a new-fangled (and fantastic) combination of rosé and lemonade perfect for the summer’s most sweltering days, and beautiful non-alcoholic verjus from Joni.
I am so excited about this event – I’m a longtime friend (and fan) of Jackie and Brian’s and I’m honored to be able to share their newest concept, one I think is pretty special, and give you front row seats to a one-of-a-kind menu before anyone else gets at it!
Your link to purchase tickets ($50 per person) is below the paywall — this event is one of the many perks of being a Strong Buzz premium subscriber! Paid subscribers also get access to the Weekend Buzz, and the Restaurant Help line.
I hope to see you on July 22nd!