Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Runway Party Store’s Broaster chicken keeps people coming back for more

JACKSON, MI – You can find a large variety of food at Runway Party Store, but the Broaster chicken takes the prize for bringing customers back.

Runway Party Store, located in Blackman Township, has been owned by Andy and Robin Burkhart for the last two years, but the store has been around for a lot longer than that. Many changes have happened through the years, but one thing that’s stayed true is that people come for the Broaster chicken.

“It makes it so the juices stay inside the meat,” Andy said. “Ours has a kick to it. Not a spicy kick, but a nice, fresh taste to it.”

The chicken is marinated for 24 hours, before the Burkharts add their own seasoning and pressure cook it with a high-grade oil.

People love how juicy and flavorful the meat is, but they’re also fans of the price, Andy said. Patrons can get an eight-piece family meal for $26, which comes with mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and rolls, Robin said.

This combo is especially popular with families on Friday nights, Andy said.

Since they’ve owned Runway Party Store, the Burkharts have added several specials, including golumpkis, a traditional Polish dish of cabbage stuffed with hamburger, rice, spices and topped with tomato sauce.

“It reminds (customers) of when they were growing up,” Andy said.

Other specials include lasagna, an old recipe from Andy’s dad’s side of the family; Coney dogs and a meatloaf meatball, crafted because the meatloaf kept falling apart, so they made them into meatballs, Andy said.

Other main menu items include soups, salads, burgers and subs. Breakfast is offered as well.

Since the eatery is also a party store, there’s also plenty of beer and other beverages for purchase.

Andy and Robin love serving the community and keep busy by catering at local schools and events, they said.

“I enjoy the customers because it came to the point where everyone knows our names,” Andy said. “After two years of this, they come in and say, ‘Hi Andy, Hi Robin,’ and we enjoy that.”

Runway Party Store, 4122 W. Michigan Ave., is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The kitchen closes an hour before the store closes every day.

More information can be found on Runway Party Store’s Facebook page.

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