Legendary Fried Chicken Restaurant to Revive in Austin With Big Expansion Plans

Lenoir chef Todd Duplechan will transition from running a tiny restaurant to partnering in the revitalization of a legendary chain, The Statesman reports. Along with Jeffrey's founder Jeffrey Weinberger, former Four Seasons GM Jeff Haber and a member of the Youngblood family, Duplechan will bring back Youngblood's, a chain of fried chicken restaurants which once operated thirty stores across Texas. More details from The Statesman:

The counter-service restaurant's menu will include fried chicken, oak-roasted rotisserie chicken and homemade sides. The first Austin location, expected to open sometime next year, will be on Airport Boulevard west of I-35.

Duplechan said he was inspired in part by the influx of out-of-state brands like In-N-Out Burger and Gus's Fried Chicken invading the Austin market in recent years. He wanted to build a home-grown concept that could represent Texas at home and outside of the state. The former chef at the Four Seasons also wanted to create a family-friendly environment that didn't sacrifice quality for flavor.

The first location will open on Airport Boulevard west of I-35 in 2015. Here's a look at the original Austin Youngblood's, complete with Austin-tastic line. Blogger Oak Cliff Yesterday has some background on the restaurant, as does Eateries, Dives, and Juke Joints.

Duplechan tells Eater partner Jeffrey Weinberger has known the Youngblood family for years, and used to serve a version of their fried chicken on the coast. They are working with Aubrey Carter and McCary & Co. to "bring the design and branding through from the original." The menu will be similar to Youngblood's "early years," with a focus on chicken and Texas-style southern.