Yes, Yaya's Flame Broiled Chicken is a chain. There aren't many of them in Michigan, however. Most of them are in the Flint area. This location in Lansing has been there off and on for at least 20 years. It is a convenient spot to get off the expressway and back on in either direction. It is family owned (franchised), and it is not uncommon to find both the husband and wife working alongside the staff. We stopped in during moderate weekend lunch traffic and ordered two 12 piece dinners to go. Even with the fairly large order they packed us up quickly and efficiently. They had a good set up going, a cashier, someone cutting / serving chicken, and another person handling the sides, drinks, etc. What makes Yaya's chicken better than other broiled or rotisserie joints is that the chicken is marinated in some kind of greek seasoning, and the chicken is fresh, never frozen. It has good flavor and is tender. Because it's not breaded and fried, the quality of the chicken is on display. They seem to have a good supplier or carving process because it's not overly fatty and keeps just the right amount of skin to add flavor, but remain healthy. The sides at Yaya's are solid, but not as good as the chicken. Meals come with two sides and pita bread. The pita bread is dense and thick. The mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, and cole slaw are all fine, but really at this place, go for the chicken.
(4)
Ron K.
The Chicken Salad is probably the worst one I've ever eaten in my life. A pile of torn iceberg lettuce, right out of a bag (evidenced by the meager shredded carrots in the bottom of the container), no tomatoes, onions, peppers, cukes, croutons.....NOTHING but lettuce. The amount of chicken was less than a cupful (I separated it from the lettuce). I think it was probably left-over from the day before because it was pretty "chewy". Seven bucks for a life lesson. "Sittin' in Ya Ya's waitin' for my......................."
(2)
Kyle P.
Stopped in on my way to mt. Pleasant. The guy at the counter was nice and helpful but the food was absolutely disgusting. I could not even eat it and my girlfriend got food poisoning. She was vomiting all night. Would not recommend this place to my worse enemy.
(1)
Erica D.
My husband and I were pretty bummed when the first Yaya's near the Lansing Mall turned into a Qdoba and the second Yaya's shut down after a terrible fire. I am so ecstatic that this former-fire ravaged location has re-opened, now with a slightly fresher and cleaner look. The food is still exactly the same MINUS their homemade cinnamon butter for the pita-like bread. They use artificial and bland store bought cinnamon butter now which tastes downright awful, especially in comparison. Everything else though is still tasty and filling and a wonderful alternative to other fast chicken options. I highly recommend the Caesar wrap and to choose either the mashed potatoes (so thick!!) or the beans for the side dish.
(4)
H t.
Delicious fall of the bone grilled chicken. It was really flavorful and pretty fresh. I can see how if its been sitting there for a while It may get dry. Their sides are nothing to rave about. Generic mashed potatoes with gravy and the worst rice pilaf. The only plus is that it was brown rice so it makes for a somewhat healthier option. I've heard lots of good things about their Caesar salad, will try that next. I did think it was a little overpriced 8$ for a 2 piece chicken meal. Maybe buying just the chicken would be a better. But overall, chicken is great!
(3)
Trevor G.
While the food was edible, I was completely underwhelmed. The flame boiled chicken should be the best thing on the menu. Instead, the mashed potatoes with yellow gravy were the best thing on my plate. The chicken was room temperature and lacking spice/flavor. I would probably only stop here again in a pinch.
(2)
Robert K.
Ordered a 12-piece chicken only. Fresh of the grill. Flavorful, juicy, expensive. Will return. Would recommend.
(4)
Joe P.
Worked as we had a 99 year old and a 1-2 year old that are not good for waiting for food. I like it because it is not deep fried fast food that leaves me with a heavy stomach and heartburn. Sides and veggies are a little blah, and come across as frozen but they beat the typical overcooked and soaked in oil or cheese. Love the chicken and salads.
(4)
Aaron W.
I used to live in Garden City where there was a YaYa's. But then it shut down and I was sad. Then I moved to Ypsilanti and discovered that a YaYa's existed there. I was excited. I ate there a few times and then that one shut down! Then I moved to Lansing and discovered a YaYa's was here and I was happy once again. I ate there once and then a fire caused the place to shut down! I waited for months and months for a rebuild and recently saw that a jewelry store had went into place there instead. My heart was broken. I cannot catch a break with this place. But.... I'm happy to announce that the YaYa's sign just went back up! It'll be smaller this time, but that's fine by me. Now, on to the review part. YaYa's has the best non-fried chicken around, hands down. Enough said.
(5)
Tracie L.
This review pertains to the Frandor location as well as the westside Saginaw Hwy location that no longer exists. I've visited both and don't intent to return. Service: Yaya's seems to be a place that if you don't know what you are ordering because you haven't lived in the Lansing area your whole life don't expect a lot of help from the staff. They don't seem very interested in helping you when you come in and even when I've asked questions I get lackluster help. Food: It feels overpriced for what you get. I also agree with another review stating that the mashed potatoes were the best item. Not the chicken. I tend to receive very burnt pieces that are dried out. When I went to the Saginaw Hwy location near closing (they had plenty of chicken on the grill) and asked to not be served completely black pieces of chicken the lady working rolled her eyes at me and flung what she had been cutting up in the trash. Hint: Buy your own chicken, marinate it and toss on your grill at home. Save the money for a dinner out at some place worthy of receiving it.
(1)
Ruben L.
I used to work here, and you know how most people get sick of the food if they work somewhere? Not me. I LOVE Yaya's chicken. I think the secret marinade has crack in it, because it is rocking. Cheesy commericals aside, this place does flame broiled chicken right. And their Caesar salad is ridiculous. My friend from NY always has to have one when he comes to down. I'll grant you, most of their food is made from mixes (potatoes, dressings, etc..), the chicken marinade is the real deal. Plus some days they sell "cold packs" which is nothing but wings and legs. I think the location has really helped this place stay in business. If you want to try a different kind of chicken, rock some yaya's.
(4)
George M.
Thank god they are back open. I love me the ceaser salad and chicken packs. The sides are lackluster tho. 5 stars for chicken minus 2 stars for generic sides.
(3)
Patrick S.
Have not been here for several years and I don't know why. Frankly this could be the best damn chicken in town. I had the 2 piece value meal with mashed potatoes and a water for under $5. I've heard that the chicken Caesar salad is awesome but I've not had it yet. Don't fear the Ya Ya ... get in and eat.
(3)
Ben H.
After hearing the Chicken Caesar was amazing here, I finally decided to try it....can't say I'd bother to go again. Overpriced and the dressing was awful. Chicken was really dry as well, maybe I just went at the wrong time (slow, Sunday afternoon) but I'm pretty sure we'll be avoiding this place from now on.
(2)
S. M.
Okay, I know everyone loves this place, but I honestly was not a fan. I got a grilled chicken wrap, and little did I know that the chicken was going to be cold. It was served on a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and some sort of dressing which wasn't that good either. I tried some of my friend's ceasar salad, and that was much better than what I had, but after hearing all the hype, this place really let me down.
(2)
Maggie B.
I've been on the hunt for the BEST chicken caeser salad in the Lansing area and have finally found the winner. YaYa's chicken caeser salad is AMAZING. Everything I've had at YaYa's has been top-notch and the staff is very friendly.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Christine B.
Yes, Yaya's Flame Broiled Chicken is a chain. There aren't many of them in Michigan, however. Most of them are in the Flint area. This location in Lansing has been there off and on for at least 20 years. It is a convenient spot to get off the expressway and back on in either direction. It is family owned (franchised), and it is not uncommon to find both the husband and wife working alongside the staff. We stopped in during moderate weekend lunch traffic and ordered two 12 piece dinners to go. Even with the fairly large order they packed us up quickly and efficiently. They had a good set up going, a cashier, someone cutting / serving chicken, and another person handling the sides, drinks, etc. What makes Yaya's chicken better than other broiled or rotisserie joints is that the chicken is marinated in some kind of greek seasoning, and the chicken is fresh, never frozen. It has good flavor and is tender. Because it's not breaded and fried, the quality of the chicken is on display. They seem to have a good supplier or carving process because it's not overly fatty and keeps just the right amount of skin to add flavor, but remain healthy. The sides at Yaya's are solid, but not as good as the chicken. Meals come with two sides and pita bread. The pita bread is dense and thick. The mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, and cole slaw are all fine, but really at this place, go for the chicken.
(4)Ron K.
The Chicken Salad is probably the worst one I've ever eaten in my life. A pile of torn iceberg lettuce, right out of a bag (evidenced by the meager shredded carrots in the bottom of the container), no tomatoes, onions, peppers, cukes, croutons.....NOTHING but lettuce. The amount of chicken was less than a cupful (I separated it from the lettuce). I think it was probably left-over from the day before because it was pretty "chewy". Seven bucks for a life lesson. "Sittin' in Ya Ya's waitin' for my......................."
(2)Kyle P.
Stopped in on my way to mt. Pleasant. The guy at the counter was nice and helpful but the food was absolutely disgusting. I could not even eat it and my girlfriend got food poisoning. She was vomiting all night. Would not recommend this place to my worse enemy.
(1)Erica D.
My husband and I were pretty bummed when the first Yaya's near the Lansing Mall turned into a Qdoba and the second Yaya's shut down after a terrible fire. I am so ecstatic that this former-fire ravaged location has re-opened, now with a slightly fresher and cleaner look. The food is still exactly the same MINUS their homemade cinnamon butter for the pita-like bread. They use artificial and bland store bought cinnamon butter now which tastes downright awful, especially in comparison. Everything else though is still tasty and filling and a wonderful alternative to other fast chicken options. I highly recommend the Caesar wrap and to choose either the mashed potatoes (so thick!!) or the beans for the side dish.
(4)H t.
Delicious fall of the bone grilled chicken. It was really flavorful and pretty fresh. I can see how if its been sitting there for a while It may get dry. Their sides are nothing to rave about. Generic mashed potatoes with gravy and the worst rice pilaf. The only plus is that it was brown rice so it makes for a somewhat healthier option. I've heard lots of good things about their Caesar salad, will try that next. I did think it was a little overpriced 8$ for a 2 piece chicken meal. Maybe buying just the chicken would be a better. But overall, chicken is great!
(3)Trevor G.
While the food was edible, I was completely underwhelmed. The flame boiled chicken should be the best thing on the menu. Instead, the mashed potatoes with yellow gravy were the best thing on my plate. The chicken was room temperature and lacking spice/flavor. I would probably only stop here again in a pinch.
(2)Robert K.
Ordered a 12-piece chicken only. Fresh of the grill. Flavorful, juicy, expensive. Will return. Would recommend.
(4)Joe P.
Worked as we had a 99 year old and a 1-2 year old that are not good for waiting for food. I like it because it is not deep fried fast food that leaves me with a heavy stomach and heartburn. Sides and veggies are a little blah, and come across as frozen but they beat the typical overcooked and soaked in oil or cheese. Love the chicken and salads.
(4)Aaron W.
I used to live in Garden City where there was a YaYa's. But then it shut down and I was sad. Then I moved to Ypsilanti and discovered that a YaYa's existed there. I was excited. I ate there a few times and then that one shut down! Then I moved to Lansing and discovered a YaYa's was here and I was happy once again. I ate there once and then a fire caused the place to shut down! I waited for months and months for a rebuild and recently saw that a jewelry store had went into place there instead. My heart was broken. I cannot catch a break with this place. But.... I'm happy to announce that the YaYa's sign just went back up! It'll be smaller this time, but that's fine by me. Now, on to the review part. YaYa's has the best non-fried chicken around, hands down. Enough said.
(5)Tracie L.
This review pertains to the Frandor location as well as the westside Saginaw Hwy location that no longer exists. I've visited both and don't intent to return. Service: Yaya's seems to be a place that if you don't know what you are ordering because you haven't lived in the Lansing area your whole life don't expect a lot of help from the staff. They don't seem very interested in helping you when you come in and even when I've asked questions I get lackluster help. Food: It feels overpriced for what you get. I also agree with another review stating that the mashed potatoes were the best item. Not the chicken. I tend to receive very burnt pieces that are dried out. When I went to the Saginaw Hwy location near closing (they had plenty of chicken on the grill) and asked to not be served completely black pieces of chicken the lady working rolled her eyes at me and flung what she had been cutting up in the trash. Hint: Buy your own chicken, marinate it and toss on your grill at home. Save the money for a dinner out at some place worthy of receiving it.
(1)Ruben L.
I used to work here, and you know how most people get sick of the food if they work somewhere? Not me. I LOVE Yaya's chicken. I think the secret marinade has crack in it, because it is rocking. Cheesy commericals aside, this place does flame broiled chicken right. And their Caesar salad is ridiculous. My friend from NY always has to have one when he comes to down. I'll grant you, most of their food is made from mixes (potatoes, dressings, etc..), the chicken marinade is the real deal. Plus some days they sell "cold packs" which is nothing but wings and legs. I think the location has really helped this place stay in business. If you want to try a different kind of chicken, rock some yaya's.
(4)George M.
Thank god they are back open. I love me the ceaser salad and chicken packs. The sides are lackluster tho. 5 stars for chicken minus 2 stars for generic sides.
(3)Patrick S.
Have not been here for several years and I don't know why. Frankly this could be the best damn chicken in town. I had the 2 piece value meal with mashed potatoes and a water for under $5. I've heard that the chicken Caesar salad is awesome but I've not had it yet. Don't fear the Ya Ya ... get in and eat.
(3)Ben H.
After hearing the Chicken Caesar was amazing here, I finally decided to try it....can't say I'd bother to go again. Overpriced and the dressing was awful. Chicken was really dry as well, maybe I just went at the wrong time (slow, Sunday afternoon) but I'm pretty sure we'll be avoiding this place from now on.
(2)S. M.
Okay, I know everyone loves this place, but I honestly was not a fan. I got a grilled chicken wrap, and little did I know that the chicken was going to be cold. It was served on a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and some sort of dressing which wasn't that good either. I tried some of my friend's ceasar salad, and that was much better than what I had, but after hearing all the hype, this place really let me down.
(2)Maggie B.
I've been on the hunt for the BEST chicken caeser salad in the Lansing area and have finally found the winner. YaYa's chicken caeser salad is AMAZING. Everything I've had at YaYa's has been top-notch and the staff is very friendly.
(5)