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Grand Opening! Two Illini alumni open a globally inspired rotisserie chicken spot on April 18th
Rhiannon Clifton and her co-owner Lester Wang first met while working together to scale the SHIELD Illinois testing program across the state as part of the University of Illinois System. It was high-pressure, logistical work, the kind that requires precision, coordination, and trust. When the pandemic began to wind down, their paths could have easily diverged.
Instead, they built something new.
Lester returned to Illinois to pursue a Master’s in Financial Engineering, but along the way realized he wanted something different—something tangible. He pitched the idea for Spitfire Chicken, a concept centered around doing one thing exceptionally well: rotisserie chicken. Rhiannon didn’t hesitate to join him.
The idea was simple, but the execution was anything but.
Spitfire Chicken is hosting it's Grand Opening Party on April 18th in Champaign, a natural home for the Illini alumni duo. From the beginning, the focus has been on craftsmanship—taking a familiar dish and elevating it through process, care, and consistency.
Every chicken goes through a full 24-hour preparation before it’s ever served. It’s brined, coated, and slow-roasted on a custom rotisserie. No shortcuts. That level of attention shows up in the final product—juicy, deeply flavorful, and built to stand on its own or pair with one of eight globally inspired sauces, from chimichurri to gochujang to peri peri.
The menu reflects that same balance of simplicity and creativity.
There are the essentials—half and quarter rotisserie chickens that anchor the experience. But there are also standout items like the Naan-wich, where chopped rotisserie chicken meets garlic mayo and slaw in warm naan, and the Spitfire Mac, a full entrée layered with mac and cheese, chicken, bacon, and scallions.
It’s comfort food, but with intention.
The name “Spitfire” ties it all together. It draws from the mechanics of rotisserie cooking—fire and spits—but also carries a deeper meaning. Lester’s military background brings in a sense of toughness and precision, while the name itself reflects a kind of energy and personality that defines the brand.
It feels deliberate, but not overly serious.
That same mindset extends beyond the food.
Spitfire Chicken is halal-certified, filling a gap in the Champaign-Urbana market and making the menu more accessible to a broader community. It’s a decision rooted in both inclusivity and intention—serving great food while making sure more people can enjoy it.
And then there’s Service Tuesdays.
Each week, the restaurant offers a 15% discount to first responders, healthcare workers, veterans, and active military. It’s a small gesture, but one that reflects the founders’ appreciation for service—and a recognition that food can be a meaningful way to say thank you.
Of course, getting to this point hasn’t been easy.
Launching a restaurant comes with layers of complexity—permits, sourcing, staffing, equipment. But in a place like Champaign, where dining options are plentiful, the bigger challenge has been building awareness and earning trust. For Rhiannon and Lester, the solution has been straightforward: show up every day and get the basics right.
Good food. A welcoming space. Consistency.
And it’s working.
There’s a moment that keeps them going—the first bite. Watching someone try the chicken for the first time and seeing that instant reaction. That’s the payoff for the long hours and the behind-the-scenes effort.
The community has responded in kind.
Neighbors at The Crossing have embraced the restaurant, and local businesses have shown their support in ways that feel personal—from team lunches to repeat visits. It’s the kind of early momentum that signals something is sticking.
Looking ahead, the goal is to become a true staple in the Champaign-Urbana area.
A place people rely on for group orders, events, and everyday meals. A spot locals bring friends and family to show off what the area has to offer. Growth is part of the vision, but like everything else at Spitfire, it’s grounded in doing things the right way.
One chicken at a time.
Spitfire Chicken
📍 2510 Village Green Place, Champaign, IL
📅 Opened: February 18, 2026
👤 Owners: Rhiannon Clifton & Lester Wang
🍗 Specialty: Halal-certified rotisserie chicken with global flavors
🌐 Website: www.spitfire-chicken.com
Signature Dishes: Rotisserie Chicken (half & quarter), Naan-wich, Spitfire Mac
Mission: Deliver high-quality, thoughtfully prepared rotisserie chicken while serving the community with intention
Vision: Become a go-to destination in Champaign-Urbana for both everyday meals and shared experiences
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Focused on highlighting locally-owned businesses.
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