Chicken Annie's: A Kansas Fried Chicken Legacy [Year-Round Guide]

Is there a dish so deeply ingrained in the culinary landscape of a place that it becomes synonymous with its identity? In Kansas, that dish is undeniably fried chicken, and Chicken Annie's stands as a towering monument to its crispy, juicy perfection.

For nearly nine decades, the unassuming stone exterior of Chicken Annies Original in Pittsburg, Kansas, has beckoned generations seeking solace in the simple pleasure of perfectly fried chicken. What began in 1934 has blossomed into a legacy, a testament to family, tradition, and the unwavering pursuit of culinary excellence. The aroma alone, wafting through the air, is enough to transport locals back to childhood memories and entice newcomers into a world where time seems to slow down, and the focus is solely on the pleasure of the meal. The restaurant became known as Chicken Annies at the suggestion of Dr. Scott and a man from Parsons, who worked for the telephone company, and Annies legacy lives on. Crawford County, Kansas, can rightfully claim the title of the chicken capital, thanks in no small part to Chicken Annie's and its enduring impact. But the story doesn't end there, it's a saga of family, of competition, and of a community bound together by a shared love of exceptional fried chicken.

The history of Chicken Annie's is intertwined with the personal story of Ann Frances Rehak, who met Charlie Pichler in 1914 while working as a housekeeper for the Pichler family. In the early 1900s, such work was often the only option for young women. Ann and Charles married on April 28, 1917, laying the foundation for a family that would become synonymous with fried chicken. In 1963, Annie and Charlie retired, passing the operation to their children, ensuring the continuation of their culinary vision. The family-owned and operated establishment has been a cornerstone of Crawford County, solidifying its reputation as the chicken capital of Kansas. The most notable similarity between Chicken Annie's and its rival, Chicken Mary's, is the familial connection the granddaughter of Chicken Mary married the grandson of Chicken Annie, a testament to the close-knit community and the shared history of these iconic restaurants.

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As business continued to flourish, Chicken Annies outgrew its original location. In 1972, a new building was constructed to accommodate the growing demand, featuring increased seating and an expanded menu to better serve their valued customers. This expansion marked a significant milestone in the restaurant's history, solidifying its position as a culinary destination. Also in 1972, Chicken Annie's left the old house and moved into their present building. Pichlers Chicken Annies emerged in 1970, followed by Chicken Annies Girard in 1971, further extending the family's reach in the fried chicken market. Today, Annie's is proud to carry on a tradition of excellent food and warm hospitality, with Annies third-generation grandson, Lonnie, his wife, Janice, and granddaughter Donna, at the helm. Donna and Lonnie, along with Janice, manage Chicken Annies Original, while Anthony and his family oversee Pichlers Chicken Annies south of Pittsburg. Chicken Annies of Girard, another branch of the family business, came from the Lipoglav family Louis mother had once operated it as Sunflower Chicken.

The menu at Chicken Annie's reflects a commitment to simple, classic flavors. Their fried chicken is renowned for its crispy and tasty breading, often described as slightly thinner than its competitors. The chicken is served with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, along with beloved sides like German coleslaw. Appetizers such as perfectly battered onion rings and fried mushrooms add to the comforting and satisfying experience. While the recipes remain closely guarded secrets, the breadcrumbs are sourced from the local Frontenac Bakery, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to supporting local businesses. The rivalry between Chicken Annie's and Chicken Mary's is legendary, adding another layer of intrigue to the dining experience. Both restaurants are institutions, each with its unique take on fried chicken, carrying a storied past intertwined with their competitive spirit.

Diners consistently praise the quality of the food and the warm, welcoming atmosphere at Chicken Annie's. One reviewer wrote, "I grew up eating fried chicken, German potato salad, and coleslaw at Chicken Annie's Original." Another shared, "Every time we ate there, the food was fabulous, the service was great, and the atmosphere was fantastic." Many customers have fond memories of visiting the restaurant with their families, creating lasting traditions that span generations. "Every visit to Kansas calls for a meal at Chicken Annie's, where the aroma of perfectly fried chicken fills the air," one reviewer noted. These testimonials underscore the restaurant's enduring appeal and its role as a beloved community gathering place.

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Chicken Annie's offers a variety of options to cater to different needs and preferences. Their menu includes their specialty, fried chicken, along with a range of other dishes to satisfy any cravings. They also provide catering services, ensuring that the taste of Chicken Annie's can be enjoyed at any gathering. For those seeking daily specials or regular menu items, information is readily available. And during the holidays, rotisserie turkeys are offered, adding another element to their diverse offerings. To find out more about catering, customers are encouraged to click here. Gift certificates are also available for purchase. View the menu of Chicken Annie's Girard in 498 E K47 Hwy, Girard, KS. Share it with friends or find your next meal. For those hopping and busy days, enjoy the warm and yummy taste of Annie's star pasta and chicken canned soup.

While Chicken Annie's Original remains the flagship location in Pittsburg, the Chicken Annie's legacy extends to other locations and variations, including Pichler's Chicken Annie's and Chicken Annie's Girard. Each location maintains its own unique character while upholding the core values of quality and tradition. Today, Donna and Lonnie, along with his wife Janice, manage Chicken Annies Original, while Anthony and his family manage Pichlers Chicken Annies south of Pittsburg. Also part of the family business is Chicken Annies of Girard, which came from the Lipoglav family Louis mother had once operated it as Sunflower Chicken. These familial connections underscore the enduring importance of family in the Chicken Annie's story.

The enduring appeal of Chicken Annie's has not gone unnoticed by the culinary world. The Travel Channels Food Wars featured Chicken Annies and its rival, Chicken Mary's, putting their fried chicken to the test in a blind taste test judged by local experts. This recognition further solidified Chicken Annie's place as a culinary icon in Kansas. In January 2021, "The Chicken Sisters," a novel inspired by the Chicken Annie's-Chicken Mary's rivalry, was named to the New York Times Best Sellers list, demonstrating the cultural impact of these fried chicken institutions.

Chicken Annie's continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The key to their success lies in their unwavering commitment to quality ingredients, time-tested recipes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. As Kansas knows fried chicken like Mozart knew symphonies, Chicken Annies conducts a masterpiece of crispy, juicy perfection with every plate served. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, a trip to Chicken Annie's is an experience that will leave you with a lasting appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. "We've been driving between KC and Bentonville for 30 years," one loyal customer shared. "We planned a midweek trip, rather than our typical bank holiday return, just to hit Chicken Annie's." Annie's is the slightly thinner breading. We arrived at exactly 4 pm to make sure we hit the dinner service. I am a traditionalist and went with the legs and thighs.

For those planning a visit to Chicken Annie's Original, several factors contribute to a memorable experience. Located in Pittsburg, Kansas, the restaurant offers a charming and nostalgic setting. Known for its mouthwatering fried chicken, this charming establishment offers a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, catering, and dessert. Be sure to sample their signature fried chicken, along with classic sides like German coleslaw and mashed potatoes. Check out their gift certificates. Please call for our daily specials or check out our regular menu items below. We also have rotisserie turkeys for your holiday needs. Pictures continuing a southeast Kansas tradition! Their fried chicken is crispy and tasty, served with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, and sides like german coleslaw. Appetizers include perfectly battered onion rings and fried mushrooms. The dinners described below are delivered and set up as a.

While Chicken Annie's Original is known for its classic fried chicken, Annie's Caribbean Express offers a different culinary experience. Here are a few tips for a memorable experience at Annie's Caribbean Express: Indulge in the rich and bold flavors of the Caribbean with Annie's extensive menu. From jerk chicken and curried goat to delicious seafood dishes and vegetarian options, there is something to satisfy every craving.

Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the food at Chicken Annie's. Heres what diners have to say about Chicken Annie's Girard. Top reviews of Chicken Annie's Pichler's. The chicken at this joint is off the charts, seriously. Top reviews of Chicken Annie's Girard. See 128 unbiased reviews of Chicken Annie's Original, rated 4.1 of 5 on TripAdvisor and ranked #5 of 57 restaurants in Pittsburg. See 128 unbiased reviews of Chicken Annie's Original, rated 4.1 of 5 on TripAdvisor and ranked #5 of 57 restaurants in Pittsburg.

When my family was still living they lived in Pittsburg, Kansas, and Liberal, Missouri.

Crawford County, Kansas fried chicken houses (listed in order they opened) chicken annies (1934) chicken marys (1945) gebhardts chicken dinners (1946) bartos idle hour (1951) pichlers chicken annies (1970) chicken annies girard (1971).