SAUGUS — When a construction worker and former teacher decide to wake up one day and start a journey into serving up comfort food, what do you get? Wicked Delish.
The owners approached the Board of Selectmen to be approved for a Common Victualer’s License.
A year ago, Anthony “AJ” and Celina Kotkowski followed their passion for cooking and came up with the idea for Wicked Delish. The couple has a food truck located in Peabody, while their next operation will be opening in the Square One Mall.
“I was doing catering on the side, and I’ve always loved food and had a passion for food. Both of us love to cook. We come from families that love to cook… That’s how we both grew up. We got two young kids, and we said, let’s try to do something different. So, we’re doing it,” AJ Kotkowski said.
While the couple hasn’t owned a restaurant before, AJ Kotkowski said that he and Celina Kotkowski both worked in the industry their whole lives.
“I do think it’s important that we point out that they do have experience with the food because of the food trucks and everything,” Selectman Cicolini said. “…And you’ve made a good go at that and done well at it, so that makes me feel better.”
AJ Kotkowski’s father, Anthony Kotkowski, approached the podium to show support for his son and Celina.
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to approve the permit.
The fast food restaurant will offer smash burgers, hot dogs, sausages, chicken fingers, rice bowls, fries, slush, and more.
Wicked Delish will be opening in the back of the food court next to Sweet Sib and hopes to open in the second week of January. The hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
