Made here, daily
Coney sauce, coleslaw, potato salad and pie all get made in our kitchen, not shipped in.
Family owned since 1963
Our Story
Three generations, one corner of South St. Paul, and a chicken recipe we haven’t touched.
A South St. Paul Tradition
The Coop opened on 3rd Avenue South in 1963, back when the stockyards still set the rhythm of the neighborhood. The building has changed a few times. The chicken hasn’t.
We still roast it in small batches through the day, still make the coney sauce in house, and still peel potatoes for the mashed. It takes longer that way. Our regulars can tell.
Most of them have been coming for decades — the same families, now bringing their own kids in after Friday night games. That’s the part we’re proudest of.
What Hasn’t Changed
The same recipes
The 1963 chicken seasoning is still written on an index card in the back. We haven’t improved it.
Neighbors first
We sponsor the teams, feed the fundraisers, and know most orders before they’re finished.
The Coop
Through The Years
Over 60 years of good food, good memories and a great community.
1963
The doors open
A small fried chicken counter opens on 3rd Avenue South, feeding stockyard workers and their families.
1960s
A gathering place
Birthdays, team dinners and after-church Sundays. The dining room fills up and mostly stays that way.
1970s–90s
Word gets around
The coney islands and the BBQ ribs join the menu. Lines out the door on Friday nights become normal.
Today
Still on the corner
Same family, same corner, same recipes — now with online ordering and catering for the whole block.
Come Say Hello
159 3rd Ave S, South St. Paul. Open six days a week, and Sundays too.