Immensely popular Oakland soul food hotspot Home of Chicken and Waffles (HCW) opened its doors in May 2004 to an incredibly enthusiastic reception. Located in Jack London Square, an area known for great dining and nightlife, HCW is part of the vibrant redevelopment that has led to a revival of Downtown Oakland. From residents of the neighborhood luxury lofts to club goers looking for a delicious way to end their night, Home of Chicken and Waffles is a hands-down favorite.
Originally a franchise of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, the family-owned HCW implemented an upscale thematic flair and re-branded with a 60’s diner image. Marguerite Thompson (interior designer of the Oakland & Chicago offices of edgy multicultural ad shop Carol H. Williams) created a vibrant color palate of vivid turquoise and luminous earthy gold accented with hints of forest green, pumpkin orange, and lush scarlet.
The entire menu (named after members of the owning family) is hand-painted on the walls by a local artist – the smiling face of each family member presides over a painted likeness of their namesake dish. Combined with the music (hot 60’s Motown & soul classics only during the week, gospel on Sunday mornings) and the warm, welcoming demeanor of the staff, the overall effect is a down-home southern soul food diner with a futuristic twist.
