Memphis-Based Gus's Opening Downtown in Late October/Early November

Fistfight-inspiring and basis of at least one commenter's obsession, iconic Memphis fried chicken joint Gus's will be opening in the old Mongolian Grill space on San Jacinto in late October or early November, according to local franchise owner Robert Blodgett. Eater met up with Blodgett as well as Gus's franchise rep Wendy McCory while the latter was in town on a pre-opening visit. McCory says Gus's expansion strategy is "organic", with a "mom and pop" approach to the front of the house and a "heavy duty system" in the back to ensure the chicken rises to Gus-worthy heights.

Blodgett is originally from Memphis, and after retiring downtown, he and his wife Jess decided to open a Gus's. He says they were not interested in any other franchise, "It was Gus's or nothing." As for Max's Wine Dive next door, which bills itself as "champagne and fried chicken," Blodgett says Gus's will be "forties and fried chicken." They plan on an extensive soft-opening process.
· Gus's Fried Chicken [Official]
· All Gus's Coverage [-EATX-]