Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken should open in Maplewood, at 7434 Manchester Road, by mid-summer, franchise co-owners Jim and Jane Zimmermann said after the Maplewood Plan and Zoning meeting Wednesday.
The restaurant passed plan and zoning and now needs approval from the city council, which should take place at the March 10 meeting. They signed the lease in February.
Jim Zimmermann said they’ll refurbish the look of the building, bring in new kitchen equipment and decorate. It was formerly TKO DJs and Hardee’s before that.
He said it was named best fried chicken in the America. (The Huffington Post called it the best in the U.S. — “The golden-brown crust on the outside locks in the juicy exterior, just as it should, and the seasoning of salt and cayenne shines through.”
“They (Gus’s) love to say it’s six out of 10 on the spice spice scale, so it’s got a little kick, but certainly not something kids can’t eat,” Zimmermann said. “It’s large pieces of chicken.”
He said sides will be French fries, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, Cajun rice, fried green tomatoes and fried pickles. They’ll offer beer in cans and bottles. See also: Gus’s to offer baked beans, greens, mac-n-cheese, fried pickles, pies, beer
He said it will be dine-in, with a patio. They’ll also offer carry-out, but no drive-thru. It will be open seven days a week.
Zimmermann said in Memphis, “it’s a dive – it was named 14th out of the top 100 dives to eat in America, which they take a lot of pride in. That’s kind of what we’re talking about – fried chicken, in-and-out kind of place, but the best fried chicken you’ll ever eat.”
He said they were thrilled when they discovered Maplewood—they’re from Chesterfield. They first liked 2812 Sutton Boulevard, where Urban Breath Yoga moved in, but would have needed to install sprinklers in the entire block, which was prohibitive. They also said parking was limited, which it’s not at 7434 Manchester.
“We really didn’t want to be downtown, we didn’t want to be in the West End,” he said. “Those aren’t places that fits what Gus’s is. Once we made the announcement it was going to be in Maplewood, everybody is saying, that’s a great idea.”
I believe that this is going to be a very positive addition to our wonderful town! Lets show a little more positive love and encouragement. Maybe a little guidance from our established businesses on green dining would be helpful. Our amazing businesses/restaurants should be the standard and should also champion in any new business…. give them the tools to make better choices.
Biodegradable yes- they should work towards that. It won’t stop me from going-what is more exciting here is they are not putting in a noisy-unnecessary drive through like that other business next to CVS.
I’m SO excited about Gus’s coming to Maplewood! I’d like to see biodegradable utensils as well, but that won’t stop me from supporting this business! I’ll eat enough fried chicken for myself and all of the “protesters” 😉
Gus’s, bringin’ the styro. Weak.
Get with the program. All disposable utensils, plates, cups etc. need to be 100% biodegradable.
Maplewood ain’t Tennessee. We expect responsible stewardship, and won’t support a business that operates without it.
Slow your roll, Yojimbo. Why don’t you try a little kindness?