I visited Canadian cult favorite restaurant Swiss Chalet, and was shocked to find a chicken sandwich that rivals the best in the US
I stopped by Swiss Chalet on a recent trip up to Canada from my home in Western New York.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
- I visited Canadian chain Swiss Chalet and was impressed by the quality and price.
- The beloved Chalet sauce was the perfect addition to a crispy chicken sandwich.
I stopped by Swiss Chalet on a recent trip up to Canada from my home in Western New York.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The casual dining chain has just under 200 Canadian locations, with 162 in Ontario, where it was founded in 1952.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Source: Swiss Chalet
The chain used to extend into border cities in the US, but the last locations were closed by parent company Recipe Unlimited in 2010.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Source: Buffalo News
Recipe Unlimited owns 20 chains in addition to Swiss Chalet, including fast food restaurant Harvey's.
Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images
In 2021, Recipe Unlimited logged $2.7 billion in sales across all restaurants. It did not break down sales by chain.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
From the entryway, there were two ways to enter. One was for takeout orders only while the other was a dine-in restaurant.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I walked in and noticed some subtle details in the Swiss Chalet style, like chandeliers and fireplaces.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It wasn't especially busy, so the hostess seated me immediately.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The menu highlighted rotisserie chicken dishes, which are the signature items at the chain.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
There was also a surprisingly extensive alcohol menu, which made the restaurant feel closer to an Applebee's more-so than a fast-casual chain.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
My waitress suggested the Canadian Sangria, which includes Canadian maple syrup.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I can't say I would have noticed the maple syrup specifically, but it did taste pleasantly sweet and I was happy that I ordered it.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
One of the entrees came with cheese pierogies, which were brought to the table ahead of meals as an appetizer.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
They came with "zesty Cajun sauce," which was good but much milder than the name implies.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The pierogies themselves were delicious and hearty, full of cheese and potatoes.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Next, our entrees arrived. We got two chicken dishes to try what Swiss Chalet highlights on the menu.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The half chicken dinner came with a breast and leg of a rotisserie chicken, plus a roll and a choice of side — in this case Caesar salad.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I got the crispy chicken sandwich, which comes with slaw and mayo, along with a side of fries.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The chain offers fries and "Chalet fries," which come with extra seasoning. I'm not sure exactly what the seasoning was, but they were delicious.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Entrees also come with Chalet sauce, a secret recipe that's both spicy and sweet, perfect for dipping fries.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Chalet sauce is so popular that there are dozens of copycat recipes online, and Lays has even released a limited edition Chalet Sauce in 2016.
PepsiCo
Source: Potato Business
Americans who live near the border and miss Swiss Chalet have been known to go to Canada just for a meal and stock up on sauce, even bringing gallon jugs to fill with the condiment.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Source: Buffalo News
The highlight of my meal was easily the crispy chicken sandwich.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The combination of slaw and Chalet sauce, plus a crispy yet juicy chicken breast, was perfect.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It was quite messy, as most of the best sandwiches are.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I've sampled all the big US chains' chicken sandwiches in covering the "Chicken Sandwich Wars," and I think Swiss Chalet can hold its own against any of them.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Two entrees and drinks came out to about $51 Canadian dollars before tax, or just under $40 US dollars.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I thought that was a very fair price for a meal that left us full for hours, and I'll definitely be stopping in next time I'm in Canada.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Recipe Unlimited hasn't given any indication that Swiss Chalet is coming back to the US, but if it does I'll be first in line.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.
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