Roots Chicken Shak officially opens its first franchised location on Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. at 3748 Belt Line Road in Addison. The restaurant is owned and operated by franchise partners Corey and Marian Epperson through T2D Concepts, the purpose-driven hospitality group founded by chef Tiffany Derry and Tom Foley.
After a soft opening last week, the Addison location now launches full service, operating daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. To mark the occasion, the first 25 guests on opening day will receive a free Big Bird Sandwich, no purchase required.
Photo: Roots Chicken Shak
Southern Flavor With A Twist
Roots Chicken Shak is best known for duck fat-fried chicken — a signature technique drawn from Derry’s Southern roots. The menu highlights locally sourced ingredients and proprietary spice blends, anchoring comfort food favorites with depth and richness.
Popular picks include wings, tenders and the Big Bird Sandwich, alongside the Mississippi catfish sandwich, fried catfish fillets, duck fat fries, collard greens, red beans and rice, mac and cheese, and banana pudding.
“Roots Chicken Shak is about more than serving great food,” Derry said in a statement. “It’s about creating opportunity and strengthening communities.”
Foley, who also led the design of the Addison space, described the interior as warm and inclusive, designed to make guests feel welcome from the moment they walk in.
Photo: Roots Chicken Shak
The Bigger Mission Behind The Brand
The Addison location marks the first franchise under T2D Concepts’ values-first model, which prioritizes impact over profit. “Corey and Marian are the perfect people to lead that charge here in Addison,” Foley said. “We’re thrilled to grow our brand and mission with them.”
T2D Concepts also operates Roots Southern Table, Radici Wood Fired Grill, and Shef Food + Wine Festival, as well as Shef Tiffany, a lifestyle and spice line.
“Founded on passion, principle, purpose and profit — in that order,” according to the group’s mission, T2D Concepts aims to close gender and racial wealth gaps through hospitality rooted in joy, dignity and shared progress.
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