Walking into Shark’s Fish and Chicken, customers are greeted with the aroma of fried chicken and a line of people forming out the door. The place was packed on early Tuesday afternoon, drawing a diverse group of people.

“It’s all about the wings,” said NIU alumna Kenneisha Patton.

Patton said the Shark’s franchise is well known, especially in Chicago. Shark’s provides customers with a large quantity of chicken wings, compared to KFC, Patton said.

“It’s a good college student food because it soaks up all the alcohol from partying because of the grease and the bread,” Patton said.

Shark’s Fish and Chicken, 901 Lucinda Ave., is painted in bright yellow and blue on the inside, while on the outside multi-colored flags adorn the restaurant, marking its opening last Thursday. There are two big screen TVs on the walls. Leading up to the register are four different flavors of Polar Shock slush machines.

Mohammad Musa, Shark’s manager and owner said the Shark’s franchise has been around for about 12 years and started in Chicago.

Since opening, business has been great, Musa said.

“In the mornings, we see lots of families,” Musa said. “During the day and late at night we see lots of students.”

While some customers have visited Shark’s before, others had never heard of the place.

“It’s my first time here,” said Jamie Marchese, returning student education major. “I just walked by.”

Some of Sharks’ most popular menu items are the chicken wings and the philly steak sandwich, Musa said.

“It’s fresh food, freshly cooked. There’s fresh fish and fresh chicken, cooked right on the spot,” Musa said.

Though Shark’s current hours are on its menus, Musa plans to have expanded hours soon.