A year and a half ago I found myself at a crossroads with my restaurant, @miroti210 . I was facing mounting losses and had to make a decision to turn things around. Around that same time, my other restaurant, The Jerk Shack, was recognized on Eater’s list of the Best Fried Chicken in America. As I researched the other restaurants on that list, I noticed a common thread—the deep cultural connection between Black people and fried chicken.
The idea came to me to reimagine my Pearl concept as a fried chicken restaurant. But something didn’t sit right with me. I didn’t want to simply be seen as “the Black woman frying chicken at Pearl.” I wanted there to be a purpose, a story, and a deeper meaning behind the concept. I prayed for clarity and came across the story of the women waiter carriers in Virginia. These entrepreneurial women, who looked like me, had a profound impact on the history of fried chicken as we know it. It was a story that resonated deeply, especially since I was already preparing a similar style of dry-batter fried chicken at @thejerkshacksatx
That inspiration gave Freight Fried Chicken its identity. It became my way of paying homage to these women and their legacy. The journey to get here has not been easy, but seeing Freight recognized on this list of San Antonio’s Top 10 New Restaurants of 2024 is a moment of deep gratitude and pride. Last year brought challenges for everyone on this list, but we pushed forward with hope and determination, believing in the impact we wanted to make in this city.
I also want to take a moment to thank my husband, my incredible team, and the community that has supported us every step of the way. Your love, dedication, and belief in this journey have made this dream possible. Every time Freight gets mentioned, I hope I’m making those women waiter carriers proud—and I hope I’m making all of you proud too.
Meet @chef_nicola_blaque our owner and chef!
She served 10 years active duty in the US Army, also a San Antonio @theculinaryinstituteofamerica graduate and @beardfoundation nominee for Best Chef Texas. Her Story of Freight shares not only the history of Fried Chicken but also the journey of entrepreneurship amongst black women in the 1800s
Having a restaurant goes beyond just serving food, you serve your community. I’ve been blessed to feed these amazing scholars of @essenceprep one more time before the school year closes. Their smiles remind me of my purpose through food, building community through meals, and change over full bellies. May God continue to bless each and every one of them.
Sunday dinner just got a little louder.
The Sunday Supper Box comes stacked with your choice of 10 tenders or an 8pc bone-in, 3 sides, biscuits, and all the sauces. Feed the family… or don’t share at all.
#freightfriedchicken #pearlbrewery #sanantonioeats #friedchickenwithsoul #womeninfood
If you weren’t craving fried chicken before… yeah you are now.
pull up.
#freightfriedchicken #pearlbrewery #glutenfreefood #friedchicken #legacyonaplate
We’ll see you again this week @tasteofthenorthside !! 👀
Representing @freightchicken with Chicken on a Stick
&
Representing @thejerkshacksatx with Rum Caramel Bread Pudding
We’ll see you soon!
#thejerkshack #freightfriedchicken #tasteofnorthside #sanantoniotexas #caribbean
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT 🍴✨ We’re proud to announce that we’ve teamed up with our @historicpearl neighbor, @freightchicken , for select shows! Founded by @chef_nicola_blaque , Freight Fried Chicken is known for its crispy, flavorful, fried chicken rooted in a powerful culinary tradition. 🚂🍗
Catch their pop-up in the lounge, and dig into a fresh tender basket with your choice of loaded potato salad or slaw. The perfect bite to pair with live music:
🎸 • 3/6 - Lucero
🪩 • 3/20 - Gimme Gimme Disco
🎉 • 4/3 - It’s A 2000s Party: San Antonio
🪘 • 5/2 - Los Lobos
🔥 • 5/23 - Reverend Horton Heat
🌀 • 5/28 - The String Cheese Incident
Showtimes + more info at StableHall.com 🎶
📸: @anncompositions
San Antonio’s Pearl District is one of those spots that just hits right.
We had the best time — super chill energy, walkable, and packed with incredible food options. It’s the kind of place where you grab coffee, wander into a boutique, sit by the river, and suddenly three hours disappear.
What I love?
You’ll find shops and local brands here you just don’t see in Los Angeles. It doesn’t feel cookie-cutter. It feels curated. Thoughtful. Creative.
And let’s talk about the win of the day — free parking until 3 PM. 🙌
In today’s world, that’s basically a travel hack.
If you’re building out a San Antonio itinerary, don’t skip this area. Come hungry. Leave time to browse. And enjoy the slower pace — it’s a vibe.
Would I come back? Absolutely. Loved Freight fried chicken with crispiest batter ever.
