J.T. Youngblood’s Fried Chicken Comes Back to Life in Mueller

J.T. Youngblood’s Fried Chicken, the long-lost renowned Texas chain, is coming back to Austin in Mueller. The originally slated location on Airport Boulevard fell through. The new spot will take over ground floor of the yet-to-be-constructed Diamond Building on Aldrich Street and Simond Avenue.

Heading the revival are Lenoir’s Todd Duplechan, along with original Jeffrey’s owner Jeffrey Weinberger, and Jeff Haber, who was the former general manager of Trio at Four Seasons. This year, Duplechan is trekking to Colorado to "talk chicken" with one of the last remaining former employees of the chain.

The fast casual menu at the new J.T. Youngblood's will feature "real, hearty" fare that "you’ll want to feed to your family," as Duplechan described to Eater. This includes an update of the signature fried chicken, Texas-style southern styles, and "modern interpretations" of pies. An oak rotisserie is being built for the new space. The full bar will serve cocktails and wine. For grabbing meals, there will be a designated to-go area.

The building is designed by San Antonio firm Lake/Flato, which also worked on AT&T Executive Center, Hotel San Jose, and El Cosmico in Marfa. J.T. Youngblood’s will most likely open by the end of 2016 or early 2017.