Fried-Chicken Restaurants Draw Loyal Crowds Across States

Across New Jersey, Arizona, South Carolina and Ohio, longtime local restaurants have built loyal followings around fried chicken and familiar, no-frills meals. Bridgewater’s Chicken Holiday has served made-to-order chicken since 1968, while Athens’ family-owned Miller’s Chicken has been a fixture since 1946. Tucson’s Lucky Wishbone stands out for pairing fried chicken with its signature steak fingers, and Myrtle Beach’s Big Mike’s Soul Food draws visitors and returning families with generous Southern-style plates. Their appeal comes less from changing trends than from consistency, classic menus and generations of customers who make these spots part of their routines.