Fried chicken dining chains were the shining star of the fast-food industry in 2024, as restaurant visits increased 4.3% last year, while other types of quick-service and fast-casual restaurant chains saw 1.3% and 2.4% growth, respectively, according to The Food Institute.
The leading fried chicken chains for sales last year were Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, and Raising Cane’s, according to Technomic.
While the drive-thru lanes at Raising Cane’s, Chick-fil-A, and Popeyes may have been long last year, and maybe this year too, some smaller chains and certain franchisees of the large chains have faced distress and needed to file for bankruptcy protection.
Popeyes franchisee filed for bankruptcy
A Popeyes franchisee operating 17 Georgia locations, RRG Inc., in February 2024 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as three failing locations drove down all of the operator’s other restaurants.
Also, the parent company of the fried chicken fast-food restaurant Harold’s Chicken of Homewood filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize its business and continue operating.
Harold’s Chicken of Homewood filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
De’nsite Inc., the Homewood, Ill.-based operator of the Harold’s Chicken locations in Homewood, South Holland, and Olympia Fields, Ill., filed its Subchapter V petition on July 27, listing up to $50,000 in assets and $500,000 to $1 million in liabilities.
The three De’nsite Harold’s Chicken locations are not affiliated with Harold’s Chicken Corp., whose website lists 47 Harold’s Chicken locations in 10 states nationwide.
Southern Classic Chicken franchisee files for bankruptcy
And now, Woodstock, Ga., franchisee of fast-food chain Southern Classic Chicken filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reorganize its business.
Southern Classic Chicken-Woodstock LLC filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia on Nov. 3, listing $1 million to $10 million in assets and liabilities.
The debtor has not indicated a reason for filing for bankruptcy protection.
Franchisor Southern Classic Chicken, based in Shreveport, La., is a family-operated chain that was established in 1989 and currently operates 20 corporate-owned locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. The franchisor has not filed for bankruptcy and operates its business as usual.
Southern Classic Chicken’s menu
- Classic fried chicken
- Chicken tenders
- Cajun rice
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Cole slaw
- Red beans and rice
- French fries
- Sweet corn grits
- Rolls
- Jalapeno peppers
- Apple pie.
Southern Classic Chicken’s recipe was created by Leon Fanning and his brother Howard Fanning at Leon’s home near Shreveport, La., in Claiborne Parish, and, at first, was sold from a small kitchen with a to-go window, according to the company’s website. The business was later expanded to locations with take-out and drive-thru service.
More bankruptcy:
- 34-year-old casual dining chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- Major seafood company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- 55-year-old women’s fashion company files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The business continues to operate as a second-generation, family-run establishment by Leon and Howard’s sons.
Southern Classic Chicken’s menu consists of its classic fried chicken, chicken tenders, Cajun rice, mashed potatoes and gravy, cole slaw, red beans and rice, french fries, sweet corn grits, rolls, and jalapeno peppers. For dessert, the restaurant offers apple pie.
Southern Classic Chicken corporate locations
- 1011 Hillsborough, El Dorado, Ark.
- 3411 Broadway Ave., Alexandria, La.
- 3410 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge, La.
- 5875 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, La.
- 1940 Airline Drive, Bossier City, La.
- 601 North Main, Farmerville, La.
- 307 East Main, Jonesboro, La.
- 4603 Johnston, Lafayette, La.
- 411 Washington, Mansfield, La.
- 705 Hill St., Many, La.
- 1317 Winnsboro Road, Monroe, La.
- 1433 Texas St., Natchitoches, La.
- 2645 Hwy 28E, Pineville, La.
- 1010 East Georgia, Ruston, La.
- 1801 N. Market St., Shreveport, La.
- 235 W. 70th St., Shreveport, La.
- 3651 Hollywood Ave., Shreveport, La.
- 9415 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, La.
- 1300 South High St., Longview, Texas
- 411 S. Glenwood, Tyler, Texas
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