Chicken chain starts frying Monday

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, a Tennessee-based franchise with more than 30 locations in 14 states, will make its San Antonio debut 11 a.m. Monday in Southtown across from Rosario’s Mexican Cafe y Cantina.

Despite the many locations, there is only one recipe for the fried chicken. According to Gus’s website, it dates back to 1953 when Na and Maggie Vanderbilt starting selling their chicken sandwiches with white bread out of the back of a truck. They eventually passed their secrets on to Na’s son Vernon “Gus” Bonner, who got the franchise up and going in 1984.

That fried chicken clearly is the focus of the menu, and it’s the only meat option outside of a hot dog on the kids menu. The chicken can be ordered by the individual piece or in two- or three-piece plates that come with baked beans, coleslaw and white bread. Gus’s also offers chicken tenders and wings.

“I think what sets our chicken apart is that it’s crispy and juicy, but it doesn’t have that overly battery crust to it,” assistant manager Mark Topham said. “The menu is designed to be straightforward and simple.”

Gus’s also has fried okra, fried pickles and fried tomatoes on the menu as starters. Sides include baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and seasoned fries. For dessert, five

options for pie are sold whole or by the slice.

“All our sides and pies will be made in-house,” Topham said.

The San Antonio location will

have beer and wine available and an interior dining space with seating for approximately 80. In Texas, Austin, Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth also have Gus’s

locations.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, 812 S. Alamo St., gusfriedchicken.com. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.

to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. cblount@express-news.net | Twitter: @chuck_blount | Instagram: @bbqdiver

Mike Sutter / Staff file photo The Tennessee-based Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken uses a family recipe for its chicken and makes all sides and pies in-house.