#FIRSTLOOK: TREVOR HENDERSON X DL CHICKEN HALLOWEEN 2026 COLLABORATION

Viral Toronto chicken spot DL Chicken is getting a horror makeover this Halloween with a limited-edition collaboration with Toronto artist Trevor Henderson, creator of internet horror phenomenon Siren Head. Launching October 7, 2026 and running throughout the month, Henderson has transformed DL Chicken’s signature chicken into an original monster that will take over the restaurant through a Halloween-inspired menu, limited-edition merchandise, custom packaging and an in-store transformation.

DL Chicken is the Toronto outpost of Vancouver-born DownLow Chicken Shack, founded by restaurateur Doug Stephen and Lindsey Mann.

Since opening its original Vancouver shop in 2018, DownLow has built a cult following for its Nashville-style hot chicken and stacked sandos, becoming known for lineups, viral social media moments, limited-edition drops and collaborations before making its way east to Toronto.

A Halloween Takeover, DownLow Style
At the centre of the Halloween collaboration is Henderson’s reimagined DL Chicken mascot, an eerie new creature created exclusively for the restaurant. The artwork will appear across limited-edition long-sleeve shirts, custom takeout boxes and stickers, while the Toronto shop will be transformed with decor inspired by Henderson’s creepy, surreal world.

The collaboration also introduces the Trevor Henderson Sando, featuring crispy fried chicken spiced to your liking, fennel and cabbage slaw tossed in DL Chicken’s Black Out Slaw dressing, black garlic emulsion and roasted red peppers, available for $13.49. Guests can make it a Trevor Henderson Combo for $20.99, which adds fried Brussels sprouts tossed in the restaurant’s classic Grandma’s Dressing, finished with balsamic reduction and puffed wild rice.

Fans will also have the chance to become part of the monster’s story through DL Chicken’s Chicken Lore Competition, inviting guests to create an original backstory for Henderson’s new creature for the chance to win a $250 DL Chicken gift card and a limited-edition Trevor Henderson shirt signed by the artist.

From Internet Horror to Hollywood
Henderson is a Toronto-based horror illustrator, writer and creature concept artist whose monsters have developed a global following online. He is best known for creating Siren Head, the towering creature that became a viral internet phenomenon through social media, fan art, memes and video games. He is also the creator of Cartoon Cat and Long Horse and the author and illustrator of Scholastic’s Scarewaves horror series.

Siren Head is now headed to the big screen, with Warner Bros. developing a feature film following a competitive bidding war for the concept. Filmmakers Zach Cregger and Brian Duffield are attached to co-write the project, with Duffield set to direct.

The Story Behind the Monster
The collaboration began close to home for Stephen, whose monster-loving son first introduced him to Henderson’s creatures. That fascination sparked the idea of reaching out to the Toronto artist and ultimately giving DL Chicken a monster of its own.
The story now continues with the Chicken Lore Competition, with fans invited to imagine the story behind Henderson’s reimagined DL Chicken creature. The competition runs through October 31, with entry details available through DL Chicken’s social channels.

The Trevor Henderson x DL Chicken collaboration launches October 7, 2026 and will be available throughout October at DL Chicken Toronto, located at 538 Manning Avenue.

About DL Chicken
DL Chicken is the Toronto outpost of Vancouver-born DownLow Chicken Shack, founded by restaurateur Doug Stephen. Since launching in 2018, DownLow has grown from a neighbourhood chicken shop into a cult-favourite food destination known for Nashville-style hot chicken, stacked sandos, limited-edition drops and collaborations. The brand has since expanded beyond its original Vancouver location, with DL Chicken bringing the concept to Toronto at 538 Manning Avenue.

About Trevor Henderson
Trevor Henderson is a Toronto-based horror illustrator, writer and creature concept artist best known as the creator of viral internet horror phenomenon Siren Head. A graduate of OCAD University, Henderson is also behind original creatures including Cartoon Cat and Long Horse and is the author and illustrator of Scholastic’s Scarewaves horror series. His work spans illustration, publishing and creature concept design, with Siren Head currently being developed as a feature film by Warner Bros.