By: Jeanie Mayer
If you ask any local resident how to get to downtown Hampshire, at some point they will say, ‘Keep going till you get to the Chick’n Dip, then turn...’ It has been the place for little league teams to stop after a victory, and muscle car enthusiasts to gather with their hot rods to enjoy a warm summer afternoon.
Known for their famous “broasted” chicken and soft serve dipped ice cream treats, the “Dip” has served as a landmark, restaurant, meeting place and hang out for generations of kids and adults alike since it first opened its doors in 1958.
The iconic drive in was first opened by Joe Turouske and changed hands a few times before Justin Fulbright purchased the business from Smiley and Twid Wagner in 2019. However, the Fulbright family’s history with the Dip began many years before with Justin’s mother, Kim, who started working there in 1980.
As a 10-year-old, Justin said he would help clean up around the restaurant and take out the trash in exchange for ice cream. He started work officially inside the restaurant at the age of 14 and continued to work there through high school and college. He earned his bachelor’s degree in teaching from Northern Illinois University and began a career teaching high school math.
“Even during those years, I always worked here at the Dip,” he said.
In 2012, Justin returned to the Chick’n Dip full time. He purchased the diner towards the end of 2019.
“It was a quick transition. We opened in February of 2020 and had a good month of sales before everything shut down,” (due to the covid 19 pandemic). The pandemic slowed business down, but people adapted to the circumstances in order to get some of their famous chicken and other cooked-to-order favorites.
“We got creative. We told people to BYO (bring your own) table and whole families would bring a table and lawn chairs and sit in the parking lot eating their dinner,” he said.
The restaurant draws customers from far and wide. Some stop in for the first time as they are passing through the town and soon become regulars. Justin said the team at Chick’n Dip prides themselves on knowing their customers and they strive to have their order ready as they walk up.
“We ask for their name with their order so we know who people are. We stress customer service. I tell the kids to be thankful they are coming, and thank them for their business,” he said.
Justin believes that kindness goes a long way and teaches the teens who work for him to be respectful.
“It is a good first job, but there are long term benefits,” he said.
Despite the pandemic and the road construction that has made entrance into the parking lot a challenge this year, Justin said he has felt the support of the Village and its residents.
“A lot of people have been keeping it local and are trying to support us.”
The Chick’n Dip is closed during the winter months, but locals recognize its opening in mid-February as one of the first official signs that spring is about to arrive.
About this Business
Name: Chick’n Dip
Owner: Justin Fulbright
Address: 995 S. State Street, Hampshire
# of Employees: 10
Hours: 12pm to 7pm Wednesday through Sunday; 2pm to 7pm on Mondays; Closed on Tuesdays.
Phone: (847) 683-2468