Gravity Ohio exists to help mentor and support ambitious culinary talent to help fuel a thriving independent local food scene.
I was wrapping up work one evening, hustling my kiddo out the door for theater class, when my husband hit me with the dreaded question: “What do you want for dinner tonight?”
Normally, I’d mumble “I don’t know, surprise me.”
But this time, I blurted, “a shredded chicken sandwich.”
We headed off to class, and when we got home, the house was filled with the unmistakable smell of savory chicken-y goodness. As a greeting, my husband casually said, “Did you know shredded chicken sandwiches are just an Ohio thing?”
I was doubtful, so I did what any trivia-loving skeptic would do: I Googled it. “Where are shredded chicken sandwiches from?”
Though not exclusive to us, they are beloved in northwest Ohio. So, I had to admit, for the first time in our marriage, my husband knew something I didn’t … A humbling moment, to say the least.
Shredded chicken sandwiches are like Midwest casseroles on a bun. Ingredients are measured by heart; every family makes them a little different, but somehow they always taste like home.
When you hand a comfort food like this over to a restaurant kitchen, it gets even more interesting.
So, I visited three local spots, recommended by you, to see how their versions stack up.
Porky’s Drive-In
This Madison staple, located at 811 Ashland Road, has been open since 1949. While there, I talked to third-generation owner Donita Blasberg. She’s been working at Porky’s off and on since she was 12, alongside her granddad, then her dad.
Porky’s is best known for smash burgers, but multiple readers swore by the shredded chicken, too.
Their version came on a large toasted bun, which added texture and structure to hold up to the filling without getting soggy.
Their mix is simple: chicken and cream of chicken soup. The filling is more uniform, with finely shredded chicken creating a smooth, comforting bite. The toasted bun adds just enough crunch to balance the softness.
Caleb’s @ DK’s
You can find this sandwich at 1201 Harding Way East in Galion. Theirs features tender, slightly chunky chicken folded into a creamy, savory blend of herbs and spices.
There’s a warm, oniony note and a little extra texture, the result of a ‘secret ingredient’ passed down with the recipe when Amanda bought the business in 2021.
“We’ve fine-tuned the spices since then,” said owner Amanda Harris, “but we’ve kept their secret ingredient and grown from there.”
Since then, Amanda and her team have continued growing the business while honoring its roots, keeping both original coney sauces on the menu so longtime regulars didn’t lose their favorites.
They also invest deeply in their team.
“We just try to support everybody as best we can, and that goes right down to our team. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to do anything that we do.”
Caleb’s @ DK’s blends two longtime Galion favorites, Caleb’s Brookside Dari and DK’s Drive-In, two locations Amanda and her team once ran separately before merging into one location.
Today, they strike a balance between tradition and progress, preserving original recipes like the coney sauces and shredded chicken, while introducing new favorites and offering in-house delivery to nearby homes.
Dairy Land
The last stop on this food tour is located at 800 Springmill St. in Mansfield. It’s been a local favorite since 1947, and it’s hard to miss.
The giant ice cream cone still looms overhead, and carhops still bring your food right to your window. It’s the kind of spot that makes summer feel timeless, and co-owners Ashley and Thomas Thornton are doing everything they can to keep it that way.
Here, the sandwich is heaped with tender chicken piled high on a soft bun and sauced with a light, savory gravy. It’s rich and satisfying, and reminds me a bit of the white gravy you might spoon over mashed potatoes.
Ashley started working at Dairy Land in 2001, her first job at 15. When the previous owners decided to sell, she took the leap and purchased the business in 2017.
“As far as the shredded chicken goes, that is a special recipe that Tom now makes, but it was passed down from the previous owner,” she said.
The ingredients are simple: high-quality chicken and the secret, homemade gravy.
Ashley and Tom have honored the original menu while adding special events and limited-time ice cream creations.
“We’re really happy to be in the community,” she said, “and we look forward to serving you for another 78 years.”
Each sandwich offers its own spin on a dish that’s as local as it is loved, and together, they prove there’s more than one way to nail a classic.
Did I miss your favorite? Got a hidden gem you swear by? Don’t keep it to yourself, let me know!