Chik’N’Dip food truck and restaurant fulfills dream of Milwaukee entrepreneur

Photos by Cherrie Hanson

Businessman Osamah Shelleh is the owner of Chik’N’Dip food truck, and restaurant of the same name, inside Mayfair Mall food court in Wauwatosa.

Zesty halal fried chicken is the name of the game at Chik’N’Dip, which is both a restaurant located in Wauwatosa’s Mayfair Mall and a food truck that can usually be found on Milwaukee’s South Side. Whether one is getting some shopping done inside the mall or nearby where their truck sets up shop, the delicious offerings at Chik’N’Dip satisfy a multitude of cravings all in one place. Owner Osamah Shelleh takes pride in his chicken’s unique recipe and irresistible signature sauce.

A Palestinian-American who immigrated to the US in 1989, Osamah Shelleh worked in restaurants like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Taco Bell back in the 1990s before spending time pursuing other ventures. But owning a restaurant was always stuck in the back of his mind. Nearly 30 years later, that dream became reality.

Shelleh remembers, “My cousin brought up that there was space available in Mayfair Mall. A friend of ours used to have a restaurant there, they left, so we went ahead and talked to the mall.”

Part of the Mayfair Mall food court on the second floor, Chik’N’Dip serves a full menu of chicken tenders, sandwiches, bowls, mac ‘n cheese, malts and more. They are also available for catering services.

Readapting to the restaurant industry did not prove too difficult for him, thanks to help from his wife and daughter. Shelleh’s brother is his Chik’N’Dip business partner. “The recipes took some time,” he continues. “We have our own breading and marination recipes and our sauces are also different. It was all about making, testing and trying until we got what we think is the best recipe.”

Shelleh remembers settling on the name “Chik’N’Dip” after a family meeting, where they narrowed it down from 10 names. “My two daughters agreed on this name and I thought it was a cute name, so why not.”

Chik’N’Dip opened in Mayfair Mall in November 2022. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Shelleh shares his observations and challenges about Chik’N’Dip’s location inside the mall, “It’s a very different experience. You are limited to the traffic and there’s a lot of competition in the food court. Guys who have been there for 20 or 25 years have their own customers and traffic, and people don’t like change and like to go eat at their restaurant and then go. It has a mixed feeling, but overall it’s OK so far.” 

The food truck will be one year old next March. Upon first acquiring it, Shelleh parked at 43rd St. and Greenfield Ave. near American Family Field. After a few months he began parking at 32nd St. and Lincoln Ave. “With a food truck, you have to stick to one spot so people tend to know you,” Shelleh explains. 

Due to recent construction at that spot, the Chik’N’Dip truck has moved to 27th St. and Ohio Ave. for the time being. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Chik’N’Dip chicken gets its remarkable flavor from its marination process, which keeps it juicy and tender whether it is served crispy or grilled, plus it is fresh-never-frozen. Chicken sandwiches, fingers, wings and wraps are available both individually and as box combos. Bulk “Family Pack” orders may be accommodated in addition to choices for kid’s meals. If ordered “Angry Chik” style, the chicken is made extra spicy.

“We get a lot of comments about our chicken taste,” Shelleh shares. “I’ve been told we are better than Raising Canes.”

Chik signature original recipe sauce is the most popular with a mayo base and a little kick of spice.

Bowl options like the Mac and Cheese Bowl and mashed potatoes-based Cloud Bowl are also popular menu items. It is important to note that in addition to chicken, both the mall location and truck have options exclusive to one another – for now. Chik’N’Dip in Mayfair Mall offers specialities like shawarma, falafel, fish filet, sliders and milkshakes. The food truck carries taqueria options like tacos, quesadillas, burritos and tostadas with the protein choices of chicken, beef or steak.

Seven of the eleven Chik’N’Dip dipping sauces they make in-house; barbecue, buffalo, honey mustard and garlic parmesan are just a few of them. Exceptional side items at Chik’N’Dip like steamed corn and lima bean rice accompany the usual suspects of fast food sides like crinkle-cut fries, onion rings and cheese curds.

In terms of beverages, notable on the Chik’N’Dip menu is their Mocktail, made with Sprite, black cherry and sliced berries. For those with a sweet tooth, fried Oreos and cheesecake are for dessert.

Osamah Shelleh is hoping for more opportunities to park his truck at local festivals and community events. Expanding the Chik’N’Dip menu is always on his mind as well. “Big or small, it doesn’t matter,” he says about events. “We just want our name out there.”

Chik’N’Dip is available for event catering and is listed on delivery websites UberEats, DoorDash and Seamless. Reach them at 414-678-8393. Visit their website for their full menu or to order online.

Chik’N’Dip truck is located at 27th St. and Ohio Ave. serving the classic menu and taqueria items as well. Visit them Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.