Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken expands to Louisville

Next week, one of the largest Memphis-based restaurants chains will open its first location in Louisville.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken opens its Louisville restaurant on May 16, 2019. The restaurant's opening was originally announced in 2021.

Wendy McCrory said that it took some time to open the Louisville branch because the company wanted to leave a positive first impression in the city.

We knew that we would move slowly. In a recent interview, McCrory said that he didn't realize it would be so slow. It was due to scheduling. We wanted to be sure we hired the right people. We sent people to Memphis for training. We only have one chance to make a good first impression.

We probably could have opened the store at the start of March but I came and said that the paint color was not right. We had to repaint everything. We did."

About 40 people will work at the new restaurant. McCrory stated that the company invested about $1 million in opening the new location. Miranda Construction was involved in the renovations.

The menu also includes baked beans, potato salad, fried okra and fried okra. The menu also includes whole or slices pies like chocolate, pecan or chess.

McCrory stated that the average meal costs about $12.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, founded by Napolean "Na" Vanderbilt, and his wife, in Mason, Tennessee more than 60 year ago, is a family-owned business. According to MBJ Research, the chain has 40 locations in 14 states.

McCrory stated that opening a restaurant was a simple decision.

"Louisville is a really cool city." She added, "There's so many things going on in this small corridor." When we came here for visits and trips, looking around without announcing anything about Gus's, everybody was so friendly. It's a welcoming and friendly city.