"May the flavor be with you." That's the catchy tagline that Chef Dean Leevongcharoen has for his newest business venture, Hen Solo, inspired by — you guessed it — the Star Wars franchise. The Philadelphia-based restaurant opened in early 2025 in the center of Manayunk's social scene, serving a variety of chicken dishes, with the theme focused on the mega-popular sci-fi series.

Fans have been flocking to the Main Street location to indulge in signature eats like The Fiery Falcon and The Obi-One Wrap, not just for their clever names but also for their delicious flavor. Many consumer reviews sang praise for the new eatery, calling out their oversized sandwiches, soft bread, and crispy tenders as the stars of the show and vowed to return.

The concept was a no-brainer for Leevongcharoen, a not-so-subtle Star Wars fanatic, who had the light-bulb moment to open the themed restaurant during a nighttime rewatch of Solo: A Star Wars Story, the 2018 film with Alden Ehrenreich playing a young Han Solo.

"I've always been drawn to characters who operate outside the system — mavericks, rebels, underdogs. Han Solo embodies that independent spirit," Leevongcharoen explained in an interview. "And the pun just landed: Hen Solo. It made sense. We're a chicken shop that's marching to the beat of its own drumstick," he added about the restaurant's alluring name.

Were there any runner-ups? The chef admitted that other names were thrown in the ring, but "nothing came close" to Hen Solo, who "had the right attitude and makes people smile." Leevongcharoen has been doing just that with his savory dishes since the fast-casual spot opened its doors.

"Think international chicken done with serious flavor and fun energy," he explained of the menu, noting that he takes inspiration from global street food (Korean, Thai, Japanese, Mexican, and American) to transform them into "bold, crave-able dishes." His priority goal: to stand out from the rest.

"We're not trying to be another fried chicken joint. We're here to bring personality and punch to every item on the menu," Leevongcharoen revealed. "Whether it's a burrito, a spicy wing, or a vodka pesto cutlet sandwich, it all comes from a place of culinary integrity and a love of flavor."

And the cook knows a thing or two about flavor, having spent much of his childhood and adult life in the kitchen. Growing up, Leevongcharoen worked in his family's Thai restaurant, where he got the bug for cooking creative meals. He took that passion with him while training in classic French cuisine in Lyon, France, and whipping up ramen in Japan, where he's been "hands-on every step of the way."

While Hen Solo is currently his baby, he's no stranger to launching successful eateries. In 2012, Leevongcharoen opened Ramen Bar near the University of Pennsylvania campus, which led to a second location before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a significant pivot in his business plans. He later helped launch Chika in Center City, PA, where he worked as the Executive Chef, bringing sushi and ramen together on a larger scale.

While Leevongcharoen has multiple business partners in his latest venture, all of whom believe in building something bold and unique, he is the founder and creative force (no pun intended) behind Hen Solo. So, choosing PA as its home base felt right as he's had deep roots there, having studied culinary arts at Pennsylvania State and immediately falling in love with the area's culture and rich history.

"Philly has always felt like the right mix of grit, flavor, and opportunity," the chef told us. "I love that you can build something real here. The community shows up if you deliver. That's why I stayed."

And if you're wondering why Leevongcharoen chose chicken as his main ingredient for Hen Solo, the fictional Star Wars character also influenced the move.

"Chicken is incredibly versatile. It's a blank canvas that works across cultures and cuisines, from curry to cutlets, tacos to tenders. Plus, it's a protein that people feel good about eating," the chef shared. "I wanted something approachable but still open to creativity, and chicken gave me that flexibility. It's the hero in every dish. Just like Han Solo, always ready to show up and surprise you."

However, don't expect the menu to be limited to its current list, as Leevongcharoen rolls out monthly specials inspired by international flavors and seasoned ingredients, and, of course, always with a Hen Solo twist.

"One month, you might see a smoky spice-rubbed rice bowl with galactic heat; the next could be a sweet-and-savory teriyaki crunch wrap or a curry bowl straight from the outer rim," the chef teased. "We're also gearing up to launch fresh salad bowls, plus desserts and tasty treats that feel like they've landed from another planet. The menu's always evolving just like the galaxy we draw inspiration from."

Customers particularly go ga-ga for the Inferno Supreme (also the chef's personal go-to), a crispy chicken cutlet with spicy toppings like fiery long shots and habanero sauce on a fresh seeded roll, which Leevoncharoen pointed out people gravitate toward for the fiery kick. The Vodka Pesto Rebel is another favorite because it's far from the average chicken sandwich, including breaded cutlets, homemade vodka sauce, pesto, arugula, and a choice of cheese on a roll.

Many tried out these rare eats on May 4 in celebration of Star Wars Day, the first since the restaurant opened, and saw the slight decor nodding to the decades-old franchise around the shop. However, Leevoncharoen stressed that although the name of the eatery and its menu items are obvious salutes to the fantasy universe, they are mindful of separating themselves from Disney, which owns the franchise.

"The vibe is more of a playful sci-fi spirit than full cosplay. It's like a wink. We know you know, but it's still all about the food. The goal is to make you smile and make your mouth water," the cook said.

After nearly six months in business, Leevoncharoen already has his eyes on the bigger picture, as he hopes to expand the restaurant in the future.

"Hen Solo was built with the idea that it could be replicated in different cities, maybe even go national one day. But I'm not rushing it. Right now, I want to make sure we're crushing it here in Philly," he exclaimed. "Once we've got this ship running at hyperdrive, expansion is 100 percent in the stars.

"I also have some long-term ideas that combine food with travel and nostalgia. Think pop-ups inspired by classic movies or menus that change based on global destinations," Leevoncharoen added. "But first things first: Hen Solo has to fly strong."

Ensuring the restaurant prospers is the focus, as is ensuring that everyone who walks through the doors leaves with a smile. We imagine that's hard not to do with the cinema nostalgia at the counter and on your plate, and Leevoncharoen strives for the fun environment to elevate the food experience. "I want people to leave with a smile, not just because they ate well, but because they felt something different."

The chef continued, "Hen Solo isn't cookie-cutter fast food. It's full of personality, flavor, and a little bit of mischief. I hope people taste the care, the background, and the story behind each dish. I want them to know this is food made by someone who loves it, lives it and isn't afraid to take risks."

Leevoncharoen's journey with Hen Solo is just getting started, and he vows to maintain his vision since that night he rewatched Solo: A Star Wars Story, and the idea came to mind. "In the end, I just want to serve food that makes people happy. That's always been the mission," he said. "If someone finishes their meal and says, 'Damn, that was fun,' then I've done my job."