Born on the west side of Chicago, Illinois, 27-year-old Tyus Williams is a force to be reckoned with.
First opening a restaurant on Apalachee Street in May 2012, by his cousin Rashad Bailey, he worked as an associate while pursuing his degree in pre-law and criminology.
“Being two men from the rough side of Chicago, we wanted to bring Chicago flavor to the streets of Florida,” said Williams.
After leaving the military, Williams realized one of his strong suits was leading and putting a smile on others face.
Despite hardships with the owners of the properties he was renting from and closing the store in November 2017, he knew that would be the end of Chicago Chicken and Grill.
When asked to describe his experience working for Williams, Kareem Ross, a pre-law student from Jacksonville, Fl, says “Working at Chicago’s the way that people flock to Tyus and stay loyal to him shows you the type of person he is.”
When talking about entrepreneurship in the younger generation, Williams said “what you put in is what you get out”.
Reopening August 25, 2019, with certain times during the day, William knows his loyal customers and who would be coming at what time.
Brittany White has been a loyal customer since the first restaurant.
“I love that its local and black owned,” said White. “Not only is the food good but the customer service is even better. I’ve been coming here since the restaurant on Apalachee. You have so many options and can have your heart’s desire. The fact that he accommodates every allergy I have without attitude. Everyone doesn’t do that with a smile.”
Williams has aspirations of going back to school to get his masters then attend law school to be a divorce attorney. Until then Tyus Williams continues to do what he does best, TRAP CHICKEN.