Drexel Hill chef Kevin Cooper is suing for money he believes he is owed after winning a Guy Fieri chicken franchise, writes Victor Fiorillo for Philadelphia Magazine.
Cooper competed in 2021 on the Food Network show, “Guy’s Chance of a Lifetime,” hosted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
After completing franchise restaurant tasks over six episodes, Cooper was named the winner, receiving his own Chicken Guy franchise.
On February 8, 2024, Cooper opened his Chicken Guy restaurant at the King of Prussia Mall.
On Feb. 23, 2025, Cooper closed the franchise.
He said as the winner, he was supposed to receive the franchise, with fees waived, along with help to build out his franchise space, coverage of operational expenses after the first year that exceeded first-year revenues, $10,000 for any legal expenses, and a guaranteed minimum first-year salary of $100,000.
Cooper filed a federal lawsuit in Philadelphia against Chicken Guy LLC and Earl Enterprises LLC for breach of contract.
He alleges that the defendants never paid him the $100,000 minimum salary despite numerous requests and failed to cover $69,000 in first-year operational expenses that exceeded revenue.
He is asking for a judgment totaling the minimum salary and expenses.
Find out more about this chicken franchise lawsuit in Philadelphia Magazine.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on DELCO Today in July 2025.
