34 tempting shots from the soft opening of John Rivers' The Coop

Chef John Rivers' new fried chicken venture the Coop opens Thursday, April 17. Last month, we predicted that this restaurant would "do for fried chicken what 4Rivers did for brisket." We got an early glimpse of the food and the space during a soft opening event on Tuesday night. It's a fresh, homey, airy space with mismatched wooden chairs, farmhouse tables and an all-around wholesome vibe – it's the kind of place we imagine will be a popular hangout for high-school students, families and foodies alike. These are some of our tastiest shots from the evening.

April 15, 2014
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34 tempting shots from the soft opening of John Rivers' The Coop
Chicken and waffles.
Chicken and waffles.
John Rivers works the room.
John Rivers works the room.
Fried chicken and mac n' cheese.
Fried chicken and mac n' cheese.
Peach, cherry and blueberry hand pies.
Peach, cherry and blueberry hand pies.
Catfish, grits and fried green tomatoes.
Catfish, grits and fried green tomatoes.
34 tempting shots from the soft opening of John Rivers' The Coop
Mud pie dessert shot.
Mud pie dessert shot.
34 tempting shots from the soft opening of John Rivers' The Coop
Fried catfish, grits and creamed corn.
Fried catfish, grits and creamed corn.
The dessert case.
The dessert case.
34 tempting shots from the soft opening of John Rivers' The Coop
Fried chicken and fresh Southern collards.
Fried chicken and fresh Southern collards.
34 tempting shots from the soft opening of John Rivers' The Coop
John Rivers works the room.
John Rivers works the room.
They write your order on your kraft-paper tray liner!
They write your order on your kraft-paper tray liner!
34 tempting shots from the soft opening of John Rivers' The Coop
34 tempting shots from the soft opening of John Rivers' The Coop
34 tempting shots from the soft opening of John Rivers' The Coop
Fried green tomatoes.
Fried green tomatoes.
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