Pennsylvania, prepare to meet the Filet Mignon of Chicken! Huey Magoo’s, the fast casual brand known for its premium, handcrafted chicken tenders, is arriving in the Keystone State for the first time through a three-restaurant commitment from local owners Mark DeStefano and Mike Diskin. The partners will develop locations across Wyoming, Lackawanna, and Luzerne counties, beginning in Tunkhannock and followed by restaurants in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre areas.
For DeStefano and Diskin, opening Huey Magoo’s is as much about community as it is about chicken.
“Beginning with our first Huey Magoo’s in Tunkhannock, we’re bringing a locally-owned and -operated restaurant to a hometown we’re invested in, and where we intend to be an active part of the community,” said DeStefano. “When you support a local business, those dollars stay in the community. And just as our neighbors support us, we’ll be there for the local schools, teams, and events that make this area special.”
DeStefano and Diskin bring complementary strengths and experience to the partnership. DeStefano is a longtime NEPA finance and operations executive, serving as CFO of Pittston-based Pagnotti Enterprises, Inc. and Latona Trucking, Inc. He is also an owner of a local real estate brokerage firm and has served on a number of corporate and community boards in NEPA. Diskin contributes a strong background in customer service, hospitality, and daily operations. Together, they bring strong business acumen, hands-on leadership experience, and a shared commitment to building a business that is deeply rooted in the community.
The two had been exploring chicken concepts when the Huey Magoo’s culture and quality pledge in particular caught their attention. A trip to Huey Magoo’s Discovery Day in Orlando sealed the deal.
“Meeting the team and tasting the menu, that was it. I’ve always loved chicken tenders, and these are on another level,” said Diskin. “We can’t wait to introduce our region to what we truly believe is the Filet Mignon of Chicken.”
The first Pennsylvania location will open in Tunkhannock in the first half of 2027. The 2,600-square-foot restaurant will feature an inline format as part of a broader investment by the partners in the surrounding three-unit property.
With its 100th location opening soon, Huey Magoo’s is expanding steadily across the country to meet the demand for premium, handcrafted chicken tenders made fresh using only the tenderloin, the best three percent of the chicken. The menu includes a variety of ways to enjoy the Filet Mignon of Chicken®, including the signature chicken tenders and Tender Bites, prepared either hand-breaded or grilled with a secret seasoning blend with sauces and sides to complete a meal or as part of a sandwich, wrap, or salad. Seasonal specials, a refreshing lineup of teas and handcrafted lemonades, and Magoo’s Rewards help turn new guests into regulars.
