Memphis-based Gus’s Fried Chicken just opened up their first Arizona location in Mesa back in February, and now they’re planning on opening another one in Phoenix at 345 W Van Buren Street next to State 48 Brewery.
“There will absolutely be more locations coming up, too,” said franchisee Wendy McCrory when she spoke to What Now Phoenix on Monday. “Arizona is such a special place. We’re looking at a couple of buildings in Tempe already, and hoping to move out to Tucson, as well.”
Gus’s started as “Maggies Short Orders” and ran until the original owners, Napoleon and Maggie Vanderbilt, passed away in the early 80’s. From there, their son Vernon “Gus” Bonner inherited the recipe and reopened the restaurant as Gus’s.
“Every piece of chicken is hand battered and hand cut,” said McCrory, noting that they won the 2019 National Fried Chicken Festival. “We’re not a fast food restaurant. Most people think we are just because of the fried chicken aspect, but you’re not going to see food sitting under heat lamps in our restaurants. Quality is of the utmost importance to us.”
The chicken itself is a little more expensive due to the freshness of the quality and is completely Southern inspired. The sides tend to be a little sweeter to round out the kick the chicken delivers.
“We want to create an experience,” said McCrory. “We don’t want to be out on every single corner. We just want to bring people together one piece of chicken at a time.”
The website backs up her claim by stating, “No matter how many Gus’s locations open or how far across the globe they expand, Wendy and the entire Gus’s family remain dedicated to the recipes and traditions originated by the Bonners.”
