The Chicken Coop Story

The son of devout church-going Dutch immigrant Christians, Jim Vander Horst grew up on the east side of Kalamazoo, Michigan during the great depression. His first after-school job was at Hoekstra's Meat Market stocking shelves and cutting meat. His energetic work habits and integrity from his strict religious upbringing allowed Jim to quickly rise from butcher to managing the meat departments at A&P and Meijer Thrifty Acres. In 1966 Jim and his wife Carol decided to work for themselves and opened their own fast-food restaurant. At first people wondered what kind of food a Chicken Coop could produce, but one taste soon gave the answer! The bright orange A-frame quickly became well-known for tasty fried chicken and fish served up fast and affordably. Jim and Carol's little experiment eventually grew to more than 50 company and franchised Chicken Coop restaurants across Southwest Michigan and Indiana.

Working with missionaries locally and around the world and worthy charities such as Youth For Christ and Youth Haven Ranch, Jim and Carol did all they could to get young people off the streets and into church. After 40 years of business, 2 car crashes, 1 airplane crash, cancer and a heart attack Jim's faith in God has never wavered. Now, with the passing of the torch to my wife Janie and myself, I am humbled by the shoes I have to fill. Our family pledges to continue serving you great food at a reasonable price.

Thank you for your years of loyal support.
We wouldn't be here without you!