The Mkhitaryan family gathers for the grand opening of Harry's Hen House in Northwest Fresno on Friday. Owner Harut “Harry” Mkhitaryan stands right of center wearing a light grey sweater and leather jacket. Photo by Ben Hensley

Legs? Wings? Breasts?

A new restaurant in Northwest Fresno had its customers asking “why not all three?” at its grand opening on Friday as Harry’s Hen House clucked its way onto the scene with a fresh take on fried chicken.

Harry’s Hen House, located at 4434 W. Shaw Ave., in the same shopping center as Costco, features chicken wings, bowls and sandwiches. But the real selling point is the restaurant’s feature menu item: half- and whole-fried chickens — literally the whole bird deep-fried — and three side dishes.

The concept of a whole-fried chicken is a first in the Valley, according to restaurant owner Harut “Harry” Mkhitaryan. Chicken runs in the Mkhitaryan family. Harry’s son David is the founder and CEO of Sherman Oaks-based Angry Chickz, the Nashville hot chicken franchise with nearly 30 locations, including a half dozen in the Central Valley. 

Harry owns one of the three Fresno Angry Chickz locations.

He has been in the food industry since before moving to the United States from Armenia more than 30 years ago. He said he wanted to offer something new and unique for customers.

“I see that nobody here in Fresno is making whole [fried] chicken,” he said.

The restaurant also features several house-made sauces and flavors.

Mkhitaryan hopes to keep his prices low by sourcing chicken from high-quality, low-price producers. Harry’s Hen House is currently offering a whole fried chicken and three sides for $14.99.

Their sides are fries, rice, coleslaw and mac and cheese

“He really put some thought into it,” said Armen Salmanyan, Mkhitaryan’s son-in-law who donated some of his time during Friday’s grand opening. “He didn’t want it to be overpriced; he really wanted people to enjoy it.”

Harry’s Hen House is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Harry also mentioned plans to open a burger and chicken restaurant at Blackstone and Bullard avenues in December.