5 Things That Make Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken Unique

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken started in a little shack in the small town of Mason, Tennessee. Since it’s opening almost 60 years ago, Gus’s has expanded to locations in Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Gus’s newest location? Oxford. But what is it that makes Gus’s Fried Chicken so unique?
1. The Secret Family Recipe
With only five living family members that know the recipe, the batter is a closely-guarded secret that even the staff does not know. A representative of the company, Chris Morgan, said that he simply tells people what makes the chicken different is love. No matter what the true secret recipe is, it is obviously working for the restaurant.
“Gus’s Fried Chicken is the best fried chicken I have ever had. I loved eating at the restaurant in Memphis, and I was so excited when I saw one was opening up in Oxford,” said Gus’s customer Jay Ethridge.
2. The Media Attention
If hype adds flavor, Gus’s has got it. Morgan said the Food Network show Crave ranked Gus’s Fried Chicken as the No. 1 best fried chicken in the country. It has also been featured on other Food Network shows such as The Best Thing I Ever Ate, $40 a Day, and Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels. The Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food also visited a Gus’s Fried Chicken. Of course, there are local awards, too, such as the Memphis Commercial Appeal’s Best Southern Fried Chicken in 2009 and 2010, among others.
3. The Atmosphere
Since Gus’s started in a small shack, every location tries to mirror that same theme. The location in Oxford is complete with road signs and neon lights.
“The atmosphere makes the restaurant. It adds to the uniqueness of Gus’s. Feels like a perfect Sunday dinner,” said Ashley Page, a Gus’s Fried Chicken customer.
4. The Open Kitchen
Something else that adds to the atmosphere is the set up of the kitchen. It’s completely open for the customers to look in and watch the food preparation, adding to the the homey experience.
5. It’s Where the Stars Eat
Morgan said that in his time working for Gus’s, he has seen multiple celebrities come in to try some of the chicken — including include Samuel L. Jackson, Gene Simmons, Robin Williams and Willie Nelson. We even had a celebrity sighting at the Oxford location when ESPN.com writer Wright Thompson came through the door.
Story contributed by Ole Miss journalism students Nicole Bounds and Tim Hadaway.