Gus’s Fried Chicken, a name synonymous with Southern comfort food, has been tantalizing taste buds for decades. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and secret blend of spices, this finger-lickin’ good chicken has become a staple in many parts of the United States. But have you ever wondered where this culinary sensation originated? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Gus’s Fried Chicken and uncover the location of the very first restaurant.
A Humble Beginning
The story of Gus’s Fried Chicken begins in the small town of Mason, Tennessee, where the Bonner family has lived for generations. The year was 1984, and Napoleon “Na” Vanderbilt Bonner, affectionately known as “Gus,” had a vision to share his family’s secret fried chicken recipe with the world. Gus, a skilled cook and entrepreneur, had spent years perfecting his recipe, which had been passed down from his mother, Maggie.
The Secret Recipe
So, what makes Gus’s Fried Chicken so special? The answer lies in the secret blend of spices, which remains a closely guarded family secret to this day. According to Gus’s son, Terrell, the recipe is a combination of 25 different herbs and spices, carefully mixed and applied to the chicken in a specific order. This proprietary blend is what sets Gus’s apart from other fried chicken joints and has contributed to its widespread popularity.
The First Gus’s Fried Chicken Restaurant
The first Gus’s Fried Chicken restaurant was opened on a shoestring budget in a small, converted garage in Mason, Tennessee. The restaurant, which seated just 15 people, quickly gained popularity among locals, who raved about the mouthwatering fried chicken and warm hospitality. Word of Gus’s spread rapidly, and soon, people were driving from all over the region to taste the legendary chicken.
A Family Affair
Gus’s Fried Chicken was truly a family affair, with Gus, his wife, Gertrude, and their children all pitching in to help with the restaurant. Terrell, Gus’s son, recalls working at the restaurant from a young age, learning the ins and outs of the business and perfecting his father’s secret recipe. The family’s dedication and hard work paid off, as Gus’s quickly became a staple in the community.
Expansion and Growth
As the popularity of Gus’s Fried Chicken continued to grow, the Bonner family began to expand their operations. In the late 1980s, they opened a second location in nearby Memphis, Tennessee, which quickly became a huge success. The Memphis location helped to establish Gus’s as a regional brand, and soon, the restaurant was attracting visitors from all over the country.
Awards and Accolades
Gus’s Fried Chicken has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named one of the “Best Fried Chicken Joints in the Country” by USA Today. The restaurant has also been featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and has received rave reviews from critics and customers alike.
Today’s Gus’s Fried Chicken
Today, Gus’s Fried Chicken has over 30 locations across the United States, with restaurants in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky. While the restaurant has expanded significantly since its humble beginnings, the commitment to quality and customer service remains the same. Gus’s is still family-owned and operated, with Terrell Bonner at the helm.
Preserving the Legacy
As Gus’s Fried Chicken continues to grow and evolve, the Bonner family remains dedicated to preserving the legacy of their beloved founder. Gus passed away in 2008, but his memory lives on through the restaurant and the countless people whose lives he touched. The family continues to use Gus’s original recipe and cooking techniques, ensuring that every piece of chicken that leaves the kitchen meets the high standards set by Gus himself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first Gus’s Fried Chicken restaurant was opened in a small garage in Mason, Tennessee, by Napoleon “Na” Vanderbilt Bonner, affectionately known as “Gus.” The restaurant’s secret blend of spices, combined with its commitment to quality and customer service, has made it a beloved institution in the South. As Gus’s continues to grow and expand, the Bonner family remains dedicated to preserving the legacy of their founder and sharing the joy of delicious fried chicken with the world.
Visit the Original Gus’s Fried Chicken
If you’re ever in the Memphis area, be sure to stop by the original Gus’s Fried Chicken location, which is still open for business. The restaurant has been renovated and expanded over the years, but the same secret recipe and warm hospitality that made it famous remain unchanged. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Gus’s for the first time, a visit to the original location is a must for any fried chicken enthusiast.
Address:
Gus’s Fried Chicken
215 S. Center St.
Mason, TN 38049
Phone:
(901) 294-2028
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Sunday: 11am – 8pm
Come taste the difference for yourself and experience the magic of Gus’s Fried Chicken.
What is Gus’s Fried Chicken and why is it a Southern staple?
Gus’s Fried Chicken is a popular fried chicken restaurant chain that originated in the Southern United States. The chain is known for its crispy, flavorful fried chicken, which is made with a secret blend of spices and herbs. Gus’s Fried Chicken has become a staple in the South, with locations throughout the region and a loyal following of customers who swear by its delicious food.
The restaurant’s success can be attributed to its commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Gus’s Fried Chicken is cooked to order, ensuring that every piece of chicken is hot and fresh when it’s served. The chain’s attention to detail and dedication to quality have helped it build a reputation as one of the best fried chicken restaurants in the South.
Where was the first Gus’s Fried Chicken restaurant located?
The first Gus’s Fried Chicken restaurant was located in Mason, Tennessee, a small town just outside of Memphis. The restaurant was founded by Gus Bonner and his family, who had a passion for cooking and a desire to share their delicious fried chicken with the community. The original restaurant was a small, family-owned business that quickly gained popularity with locals and visitors alike.
Today, the original Gus’s Fried Chicken restaurant in Mason, Tennessee, is still open and serving customers. The restaurant has been renovated and expanded over the years, but it still maintains its original charm and character. Visitors can stop by the restaurant to try the famous fried chicken and experience a piece of Southern history.
Who founded Gus’s Fried Chicken and what inspired them to start the business?
Gus’s Fried Chicken was founded by Gus Bonner and his family. Gus was a cook and entrepreneur who had a passion for fried chicken. He developed a secret recipe for fried chicken that quickly became popular with friends and family, and he decided to open a restaurant to share his delicious food with the community.
Gus’s inspiration for starting the business came from his love of cooking and his desire to provide for his family. He wanted to create a restaurant that would serve as a gathering place for the community, where people could come together to enjoy good food and good company. With the help of his family, Gus was able to turn his dream into a reality and create a successful business that has endured for generations.
What makes Gus’s Fried Chicken unique and different from other fried chicken restaurants?
Gus’s Fried Chicken is unique and different from other fried chicken restaurants due to its secret blend of spices and herbs. The restaurant’s fried chicken is made with a proprietary seasoning blend that is applied by hand to each piece of chicken. This blend of spices and herbs gives Gus’s Fried Chicken its distinctive flavor and sets it apart from other fried chicken restaurants.
In addition to its secret seasoning blend, Gus’s Fried Chicken is also known for its traditional cooking methods. The restaurant uses a pressure fryer to cook its chicken, which helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior. This cooking method, combined with the secret seasoning blend, helps to create a truly unique and delicious fried chicken experience.
How has Gus’s Fried Chicken expanded and grown over the years?
Gus’s Fried Chicken has expanded and grown significantly over the years. The restaurant chain has locations throughout the Southern United States, with over 30 locations in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and other states. The chain has also expanded its menu to include a variety of sides and desserts, in addition to its famous fried chicken.
Despite its growth and expansion, Gus’s Fried Chicken has remained committed to its core values of quality, service, and community. The chain continues to use only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods, and it remains dedicated to providing excellent customer service and supporting local communities. Gus’s Fried Chicken has become a beloved institution in the South, and its expansion has helped to share its delicious food with an even wider audience.
What is the secret to Gus’s Fried Chicken’s success and popularity?
The secret to Gus’s Fried Chicken’s success and popularity is its commitment to quality and tradition. The restaurant chain has remained true to its roots and continues to use only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods. This attention to detail and dedication to quality have helped to build a loyal following of customers who swear by the chain’s delicious food.
In addition to its commitment to quality, Gus’s Fried Chicken’s success can also be attributed to its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The chain’s restaurants are designed to be comfortable and inviting, with a cozy decor and friendly service. This atmosphere, combined with the chain’s delicious food, has helped to make Gus’s Fried Chicken a beloved institution in the South.
Can I franchise a Gus’s Fried Chicken restaurant or is it only available in certain locations?
Gus’s Fried Chicken is available for franchising in select locations. The chain has a rigorous franchising process that ensures that only qualified and dedicated individuals are awarded franchises. This process helps to maintain the chain’s high standards of quality and service, and it ensures that every Gus’s Fried Chicken restaurant meets the chain’s strict criteria.
Franchising a Gus’s Fried Chicken restaurant requires a significant investment of time and money. However, for those who are passionate about the chain’s food and values, it can be a rewarding and profitable business venture. The chain provides comprehensive training and support to its franchisees, helping them to establish and grow successful restaurants that meet the chain’s high standards.