Just a stone’s throw away from campus, behind the plaza and across from La Vera Pizza on 347 Third Avenue, Forefeathers Chicken Madness has quickly become a student favorite.

This small but mighty eatery may be primarily takeout, with just one table sporting three seats, but what it lacks in seating, it makes up for in flavor, character, and a genuine connection to the campus community.

Happy Ramadan to our Muslim readers! Forefeathers offers quality halal chicken that makes for a perfect option during this holy month. The substantial portions are hearty enough to keep you full from Suhoor to Iftar, providing the energy needed for those long fasting days on campus.

Walking into Forefeathers feels less like entering a restaurant and more like stepping into a friend’s kitchen—if that friend happened to be an extraordinarily talented chef with a knack for fried chicken.

As Gregory Tomchuk, president of Baruch College’s Full Stack Club, puts it, the place is “very cultural” and has “very friendly staff.” While the physical space might be limited, the warm atmosphere created by the staff more than compensates.

The restaurant has added personal touches to make the space inviting, with art that, as one student remarked, makes the spot feel more friendly. Though you might not linger long in the actual establishment, unless you’re one of the lucky few to snag those three coveted seats, the experience of Forefeathers extends beyond its walls and onto campus. You’ll often spot students carrying those distinctive takeout bags.

Forefeathers keeps it straightforward with a menu that doesn’t overwhelm one but delivers on every front. Its best-seller, the five-piece chicken fingers for $12.99, deserves every bit of its popularity.

According to Tomchuk, his go-to order is a “five-piece chicken tender, a soda can, and fries and a dip and sauce,” a combination that has become so regular that Forefeathers’ staff remembers his order every time he walks in.

The chicken itself receives high praise across the board. It’s made to order, which means you might have to wait a few minutes, but perhaps that’s the perfect opportunity to get to know the owner, Farrukh Mughal.

Beyond the namesake chicken, Forefeathers offers some noteworthy alternatives. The Fries Madness, loaded fries topped with chicken, creamy mac & cheese, coleslaw, pickles, lettuce, shredded cheese, and homemade chipotle sauce for $13.99, is basically a full meal disguised as a cholesterol issue.

Aswathi Nair, a finance major at Baruch, and Tomchuk both confirmed the smash burger “slaps hard” and provides a solid alternative for those not in the mood for just chicken.

Meals typically run between $15 and $17, which some students like Nair consider “a little pricey.” Alternatively, Dave Olajide, president of Baruch’s Undergraduate Student Government, points out that the owner is “trying to have cheap prices because if you go out to eat nowadays, you end up having to spend, like, $20 upwards.” In the context of portion sizes and quality, Forefeathers remains “pretty on par with most spots around Baruch.”

What truly sets Forefeathers apart isn’t just its food but its owner, Mughal, who was unavailable for an interview, being the successful entrepreneur he is. Farrukh is perpetually busy juggling his multiple businesses but still finds time to chat with every student who walks through his door. Many students have unofficially renamed the place “Farrukh’s” as a testament to his impact.

Olajide shares a memorable story of his first visit with his friend Milton Gordon, who also works with Dave in USG as the Chair of Graphics. When they admitted they were first-timers, Farrukh immediately engaged them in conversation, explaining his vision for the restaurant: making halal chicken more accessible to people in the neighborhood at reasonable prices.

But Farrukh didn’t stop at food recommendations. He shared his inspiring journey from selling luxury watches at a 9-to-5 job he disliked to becoming a successful entrepreneur with many different chicken spots across New York.

The catalyst for this transformation was a conversation with a wealthy customer who owned laundromats and made significantly more money than Mughal did at his corporate job. His story of reinvention is as refreshing as the food he serves and is a true inspiration for Baruch students.

Beyond his business acumen, Mughal demonstrates a genuine investment in the students who patronize his restaurant. Tomchuk notes that he’s always going out of his way to talk to the customers and make conversation. He’s receptive to “feedback, positive and negative,” constantly working to improve the student experience.

Perhaps most touching is how Mughal extends life wisdom to his young customers. Olajide recounts how Mughal emphasized the importance of friendship, leaving him and Gordon with three key messages: “always be honest to one another,” “never fight over money,” and “always appreciate and recognize each other for what they do.” These words resonated so deeply with Olajide that he credits Mughal with strengthening his friendship with Gordon.

“Milton and I have been great friends even before Farrukh, but I guess even more after Farrukh,” he said.

Baruch offers degrees, but Farrukh offers the kind of real-world wisdom you just can’t find anywhere else.

This personal touch extends to Farrukh’s business practices as well. Tomchuk mentions that the owner really cares about the customers, to the point of “suggesting cheaper options and even recommend[ing] [the] group to get a bundle” to save money. A business owner in New York who actively helps you spend less money? Where does his kindness end!

Forefeathers Chicken Madness has earned its place as what Tomchuk calls “definitely top three spots around Baruch.” Its convenient location, quality halal food, and, most importantly, the genuine connection fostered by Farrukh himself have made it more than just a place to grab a quick bite. It has become part of Baruch’s campus culture.

The consensus is clear. Forefeathers is worth your time and money. So next time you’re debating where to eat near campus, follow Olajide’s lead and simply say, “I’m definitely going to the chicken spot.”

You might walk in as a customer, but if Farrukh has his way, you’ll walk out as a friend. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself calling it “Farrukh’s” and keep an eye out for members of our very own newspaper staff, who count it among their favorite spots.

Shout out Farrukh’s, man. Shout out Farrukh’s.