Gigi’s Betchin Chick-N: A Silverthorne Gem with Salida Roots
Nestled in the heart of Silverthorne, a beloved food truck is making waves with its newly established brick-and-mortar location. Gigi’s Betchin Chick-N, originally launched in Salida, is a culinary hotspot that has captured the hearts—and tastebuds—of fried chicken lovers throughout Colorado.
A Journey from Trucks to Bricks and Mortar
Gigi Sandoval-Long is not just serving delicious food; she’s weaving a strong community bond through her culinary creations. After years of nursing and nurturing others, she transitioned to the vibrant world of food trucks, creating memorable dishes from a hot-pink truck adorned with a Rosie the Riveter-inspired chicken.
In May 2025, Gigi’s Betchin Chick-N celebrated its grand opening inside La Quinta Inn & Suites at 560 Silverthorne Lane, a transformation from the mobile truck experience that served loyal customers from the Colorado roads.
From Food Truck to Permanent Location
The journey to her new space began with a serendipitous encounter at Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply in Silverthorne. The hotel manager, Mary Wilbanks, tried Gigi’s famous fried chicken and recognized its potential professionally and personally.
"I have Southern roots and strict standards for chicken," Wilbanks praised in a Facebook message, leading to an unexpected opportunity to occupy the space previously held by Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom.
A PowerPoint Presentation That Changed Everything
At first, Gigi and her husband, Arthur Long, were hesitant about moving into a permanent location. But Arthur’s business acumen shone through when he compiled a detailed market analysis into a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted the area’s strong potential.
“I never thought I’d see the day someone would put together a PowerPoint about fried chicken,” Gigi quipped, but it worked. Now, their vision is a reality, with Arthur’s enthusiasm culminating in the addition of a massage chair facing the stunning mountain views—creating a relaxing space for both their customers and themselves.
Culinary Roots and Innovative Flavors
From her beginnings in Salida, Gigi’s Betchin Chick-N was born out of a desire to fill a gap in the local culinary landscape. Growing up in a family rich in cultural flavors, Gigi merged Philadelphian soul food and Latin cuisine to craft a unique fried chicken recipe that’s now patent pending.
“Gigi’s was a natural choice,” she reflected, hinting at the multi-faceted meanings behind the name, from a nod to grandmothers to her grandson, Giannis—the ultimate fried chicken critic at just four years old.
Why You Should Visit Gigi’s Betchin Chick-N
Located conveniently inside La Quinta Inn & Suites, Gigi’s is quickly becoming a must-visit culinary destination. With menu options ranging from combo plates starting at $14.50 to platters priced as high as $41.99, there’s something for everyone.
Appetizers are equally tempting, with prices starting at a mere $1.25—making it an affordable outing for families and food lovers alike. Current operating hours run from 3 PM to 11 PM, but check their Facebook page for the latest updates during the mud season.
A Community Hub in the Making
In a world where food often brings us together, Gigi’s Betchin Chick-N stands out—not only for its delicious offerings but for its commitment to community. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Savor the flavor and experience Gigi’s heartfelt cooking in a culinary abode that promises more than just a meal; it offers a sense of belonging.
Don’t miss out on this Silverthorne treasure! Visit Gigi’s Betchin Chick-N today and discover the magic of their fried chicken and warm-hearted hospitality.
