Our Story
Growing up, CK founder Michael attended annual “Grandma Camps” at his Grandma Charlotte’s house. Here, he learned his way around the kitchen making recipes such as homemade bread and jam. These camps also instilled in him a love of food & a passion for culinary perfection.
Years later & fresh out of college, Michael was hit by the food truck bug after noticing a growing number of trucks serving people around them. He also recognized the growing fast-food battle over the public’s love for fried chicken sandwiches. Since there were no chicken sandwich food trucks, Michael decided to combine the two.
Michael knew that if he channeled Grandma Charlotte’s passion for food into the development of a fried chicken recipe, he could fill a consumer void. Six months – and countless hours in a commercial kitchen – later, Michael created Charlotte’s Fried Chicken. Armed with the perfect fried chicken recipe, but without a knack for combining flavors and sauces, he decided he needed additional talent. He enlisted longtime friend (and skilled chef) Robert, convincing him to quit his job & join him on the wild ride that is now Charlotte’s Kitchen.
In 2020, they launched their food truck business, serving their scrumptious sandwiches to hungry bar patrons & catering corporate lunches. Just one year later, they exchanged their wheels for the first Charlotte’s Kitchen brick & mortar location in Johnston, Iowa.
During the entire adventure, they never stopped looking for her inspiration and everlasting love & support. The goal at Charlotte’s Kitchen is to be sure every sandwich served is made with love & soul, just like Grandma’s.
We hope to see you soon,
Michael, Rob, & the Char’s Fam