Opinion Review: Bulldog Buckets for Haven Hot Chicken

Haven Hot Chicken. Photo Courtesy: Jack Ruderman

With basketball season making its way over to Pieri Gymnasium, there is plenty of excitement and delicious aromas in the air. Bouncing basketballs can be heard all the way in the stands while the game personnel are getting ready to be part of an exciting matchup that is yet to come. One food chain that sticks out from the rest of the franchises is called Haven Hot Chicken, which is based in the state of Connecticut. They have a reputation for making the best chicken possible for everyone to dive into and enjoy the flavors that present themselves within each meal on its menu.

According to Jake Dagdigian, the owner and operator of the franchise, this is what he had to say about the quality of the chicken as well as the popularity of promoting the doubleheader for the Dean College women’s and men’s basketball games on a cold rainy school night.

“I would say our biggest differentiators are the quality of our chicken, the quality of our ingredients,” said Dagdigian. “We’re all going to be there making sure that the town of Franklin, Dean College, everyone around that’s coming is getting the best quality chicken that they can.”

When asked what people especially me would think after trying it for the first time, the owner said that “It’s going to be the only chicken sandwich that you have for the rest of your life.” After hearing his testimony on the chicken organization, I decided to give the slider a try and follow their recommendation on getting it medium spiced with a sprinkle of their special Haven seasoning. There were options to select from which consisted of Country, Mild, Hot, and Haven Hot.

Before I dove into my first bite of the sandwich, it smelled like any other slider that I have had in my life. I also felt the texture of the bun which was soft as a pillow to the touch. I was blown away by the amount of crunchiness as well as having a good amount of spice added to the mix. I had no choice but to drink plenty of water just to alleviate the spiciness plus the coleslaw and pickle that provided a sense of temporary relief. I would rate the sandwich as a 9/10 since it stands out amongst many well-known competitors such as KFC and Chick Fil A. This is meal is definitely worth to go after since they are here to support this exciting sports program that took place this evening.

Dean Men's Basketball vs Lesley University. Photo Courtesy: Jack Ruderman

Watching one of the games was definitely an experience that will never be forgotten as a spectator from the sidelines above the hardwood. It was nice getting some

hands on one of the chicken sandwiches while trying something that was new and out of this world at the same time from Haven’s Hot Chicken. As a result of the outcome from both matchups that evening, everyone became winners once they were off the court of Pieri. No matter what plays, fouls, or even the officiating that took place, there were plenty of moments that defined this extraordinary spectacle for pure Bulldog pride.