One of Austin’s most beloved fried chicken spots is making a long-term bet on downtown. According to public filings, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken plans to open a 4,400-square-foot location at 710 Red River St.
What Now Austin reached out to franchisee Janeth Hickerson, who confirmed that the project is a relocation of the restaurant’s current location at 117 San Jacinto Blvd.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken originated in Mason, Tennessee, and has grown into a cult favorite known for its spicy, crispy fried chicken served in a no-frills, Southern-style environment.
For this project, Hickerson purchased the Red River building. The decision was deliberate.
“By purchasing the building I can provide a home for Gus’s Fried Chicken long term, which means we can continue to provide great food and southern hospitality to our customers at a fair price without the worry of losing our lease,” Hickerson told What Now Austin.
The current Gus’s location on San Jacinto will remain open until its lease expires in early 2028. The Red River buildout, however, could take a year or more given the scope of renovations needed.
“We hope to get open before our current lease on San Jacinto expires in early 2028, which seems far away, but with renovations needed to the Red River building that process can easily take a year if not more,” the operator said.
Work includes the removal of non-load bearing partitions, finishes, casework, bar, bandstand, a non-original mezzanine, and both staircases, according to public filings.
The Red River address was chosen not only for its proximity to the current location, but also for its potential to support the business long term. Hickerson also hopes the project will contribute to the continued growth of the corridor.
“We want the Red River area to thrive and be a vibrant part of downtown and we will do whatever we can to help,” she told What Now Austin.
