Southern Classic Chicken: The 35-Year-Old Fast Casual Chicken Franchise Ready to Take America by Storm with Its No-Frills Fried Chicken

Southern Classic Chicken has been delighting customers across the American South with its delectable comfort food since 1989. Now, in an era where there are plenty of QSR chicken franchises to choose from, the brand continues to stand out and win over customers with its deceptively simple approach: offering homestyle fried chicken and sides, a gimmick-free menu and a price point that provides an incredible value. While Southern Classic Chicken makes this approach look easy, it is actually a result of nearly 40 years of listening to its loyal customers and putting in the hard work.

"My father Leon started this concept in the backyard, frying chicken and letting neighbors taste it,” said Alex Fanning, one of the second-generation members of the founding family who still leads the Southern Classic Chicken brand today. “That is how it all started. That recipe — marinated for no less than 24 hours — is still the same one we use today, and that is why we have so many fans of the brand.”

When Southern Classic Chicken was first introduced in the Shreveport, Louisiana area, the founders wanted it to be based on four things: quality, the absolute best fried chicken, classic southern sides and cajun seasoned french fries. And, much like its no-frills menu, they wanted to keep the model simple. So they did it by using drive-thrus and walk-up windows. The concept quickly proved to resonate with customers and became a staple in the community. 

For those not near one of the brand’s 17 locations across Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, not to worry. Southern Classic Chicken is bringing its delicious, high-quality menu to more places around the United States through franchising. 

A Chicken Restaurant Founded on Family

In 1989, Southern Classic Chicken was started by Leon Fanning, who first entered the industry with another fried chicken concept in the 1970’s. Leon then connected with his brother Howard Fanning, as well as his son Brandon Fanning, to continue that family legacy, and transitioned their business to what became Southern Classic Chicken. 

Today, Southern Classic Chicken has remained a beloved family business for more than three decades. The brand continues to be a family-run business and is in its second generation of ownership, with Howard and Leon’s sons, Alan, Brandon and Alex, leading the business. 

“Myself, my two cousins, my uncle and my father are all in this,” said Alan. “We’ve learned a lot over the years and, as part of this family and business, I’ve been around chicken all my life. I’m just a very small part of this organization. We all work great together, have the same mindset and treat our employees like family.” 

With family at the center of the business, Southern Classic Chicken customers and employees are treated like part of the family. Just ask the many Team Members who have been with the company over 20 years or more. 

"Not only do we get to work with family, but we also get to create another family by working at the restaurant,” said Alex. “They have become part of the family. That really helps grow the business in the long run.”

The Southern Classic Chicken Menu: Simple, Delicious and Quick

The menu at Southern Classic Chicken is simple: homestyle fried chicken made with a proprietary marinade complemented by high-quality side offerings inspired by its rich, southern history. Customers have fallen in love with the brand’s fried chicken and value pricing, with the average meal ranging from $8.00-12.00. So much so that the brand continually gets ranked number one best fried chicken in the communities they serve. 

“From the very first day, my uncle said he wanted to ‘do chicken and do it right,’” said Alan. “That’s the way it started and the way it was always intended. We want our product to be just right. We’re a fried chicken business that specializes in traditional Louisiana-style fried chicken and quality, classic southern sides. Our promise is to give communities the experience and value that builds trust and goodwill today and for generations to come. We do fried chicken, and we do it well.”

Since day one, the company has focused on sourcing the highest quality ingredients possible to provide the “absolute best” to its customers at a better price point and greater value than competitors. 

After starting with fried chicken and fries, the menu has expanded a bit since opening. But the quality hasn’t wavered. Customers can choose from chicken meal combos and value dinners, as well as family boxes. Side orders include classic comfort food options such as Cajun Rice, Cole Slaw, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Red Beans and Rice, and Sweet Corn Grits. There are also a variety of dipping sauces to choose from including the brand’s addictive and beloved Classic Sauce, Ranch, Honey Mustard, Buffalo, BBQ and White Gravy. 

The “keep it simple” mindset isn’t something that the brand plans on changing, even as it continues to expand. 

The Brand Innovating with the Drive-Thru and Walk-Up Model

And it's not just the food that helps Southern Classic Chicken stand out — it's also the restaurant experience. While many restaurant chains nationwide had to adapt to changing consumer demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, Southern Classic Chicken has always maintained a distinct drive-thru model with a walk-up window designed to get customers through the line quickly and efficiently. 

“People love it,” said Alan. “[Walk-up windows] are like having a second drive-thru. We have some sit downs now, but we move faster in our drive-thru and walk-up locations. The pandemic was really a test for us more than anything else. No one is pandemic-proof, but we made it through that time successfully. Now, we are ahead of the curve with a restaurant experience everyone wants.”

As Southern Classic Chicken continues to open around the United States, keep an eye out for a new location near you.

The total investment necessary to open a Southern Classic Chicken franchise ranges between $777,500-$1,235,500 (assuming leased real property), including a $40,000 initial franchise fee. Average Gross Revenues at the reporting Southern Classic Chicken restaurants for the calendar year of 2022 were $2,673,102. 

To learn more, visit: https://www.southernclassicchicken.com/franchising