Federal Donuts & Chicken, the cult-favorite Philadelphia brand known for its unconventional pairing of gourmet donuts and crispy fried chicken, is expanding its Garden State footprint. The chain has signed a lease to open a new location in the MarketFair shopping plaza on Route 1 in Mercer County.
The new store is projected to open in Spring 2026, marking the brand’s second New Jersey location following its successful debut in Marlton last year.
Founded in 2011 by James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook, Federal Donuts & Chicken has grown from a small South Philly shop into a regional sensation. The expansion into West Windsor is part of a broader national growth strategy fueled by a partnership with NewSpring Franchise.
The West Windsor location will be situated next to Barnes & Noble, joining a high-profile roster of tenants at the single-level enclosed mall, which includes AMC, Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma.
The chain has built a “religious” following for its hand-battered, twice-fried chicken and cake-style donuts. The menu at the new MarketFair location will include:
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‘Fancy’ Donuts: Hand-glazed and topped daily with creative flavors like raspberry mascarpone or brownie a la mode.
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‘Hot Fresh’ Donuts: Made-to-order and tossed in custom sugar and spice blends.
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Fried Chicken: Available as sandwiches, tenders with various dry seasonings, or in salads.
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Coffee & Breakfast: Featuring the “Early Bird” breakfast sandwich and a full range of hot and iced coffee options.
True to its Philadelphia roots, the new Federal Donuts & Chicken will cater to both early risers and the dinner crowd:
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Operating Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
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Format: Fast-casual with indoor seating and mobile ordering capabilities through the brand’s app.
“From day one, we’ve been drawn to FD&C’s amazing food and welcoming spirit, and we can’t wait to share it with our new neighbors,” franchisees Mark Heinz and Debbie Grady, who are leading the brand’s New Jersey expansion, said.
