Guthrie’s, the chicken-finger only restaurant pioneer, announced today that its newest restaurant will open on Monday, January 25 in Locust Grove, Ga. at the southeast corner of SR 155 and Bill Gardner Parkway in the Luella Crossing retail development. As the first restaurant in the country to build a menu only around scratch-made chicken fingers, the new Locust Grove location is part of Guthrie’s new strategic growth plan. These design and operational enhancements feature an even stronger focus on drive-thru and delivery, while highlighting a softer color palette, more lighting and a modern edge designed to showcase the fresh ingredients while enhancing the customer experience.     

“Especially this year, in light of everything we’re going through as a community, we’re particularly excited to offer local Locust Grove residents, families and visitors a chance to experience the fun and deliciousness that Guthrie’s offers,” said Joe Kelly Guthrie, CEO of Guthrie’s Franchising, Inc. “As we navigate COVID-19 together, we know we can still put a smile on people’s faces while keeping our guests and our teams safe and providing the best drive-thru, delivery and dine-in experience possible.”

For more than 50 years, Guthrie’s has drawn in crowds across the country for its hand-breaded chicken rooted in a tradition of fresh, hot, and fast, with a generous dash of southern hospitality. Rounding out Guthrie’s simple, yet classic menu is hand-chopped coleslaw, crinkle cut French fries, Texas toast and its iconic dipping sauces.

“There is something simple, something quintessential about Guthrie’s golden fried chicken fingers that everyone can relate to – it’s very strong and powerful,” said Guthrie. “We’ve remained true to who we are since my father opened his original Guthrie’s in Haleyville, Ala. and then expanded into our very first chicken fingers-only restaurant in Auburn. While our menu hasn’t changed, we’re still evolving as a restaurant brand. We’re excited to introduce our new restaurant format to Locust Grove and the surrounding communities. We know they’re going to love the freshness and speed that families and friends have come to enjoy for generations.”

As part of its grand opening celebration on January 25, Guthrie’s will offer the first 500 customers that purchase a signature Guthrie’s Box chicken finger meal a free gift card redeemable for another Guthrie’s Box at a future visit, which includes golden fried chicken fingers, crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, buttery Texas toast and Guthrie’s signature dipping sauce – nearly a $10 value. Adhering to local guidelines, Guthrie’s will maintain social distancing recommendations and follow local COVID-19 protocols during its grand opening and subsequent operations.

“There is always opportunity in change,” said Guthrie. “Chicken fingers and fries are still an affordable feel-good proposition and our sales as a brand have rebounded tremendously since the onset of the pandemic. That’s a testament to the hard work of our Guthrie’s owners, their teams and the loyalty of our strong customer base. Even at the height of the virus, we were still able to deliver on our brand promise while keeping our people employed at a time when they needed it the most. We’re excited to bring that same level of success and local determination to Locust Grove while establishing ourselves as an important part of that dynamic community.”

Guthrie’s remains a family run restaurant business that uses freshly sourced products and ingredients to create its vibrant, yet simple menu. Since its inception in 1965, Guthrie’s has become famous for its unique take on chicken fingers and flavor combinations. Furthermore, the brand’s software, hardware, training and ongoing support allows Guthrie’s owners to focus on producing an exceptional product without sacrificing consistency or individuality.

“The opening of Locust Grove, which is the newest of the more than a dozen new restaurants planned through 2021, highlights the momentum we’re now experiencing as a brand,” said Guthrie. “Our above industry average profit margins, along with the simplicity of our operations are major calling cards for potential owners. While 2020 was certainly like no other, our brand continues to grow and thrive in the neighborhoods we serve because of our community-first approach. That growth, combined with our continued sales increases since the onset of the pandemic, our expansion into Locust Grove, and our desire to open additional restaurants in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee and Mississippi, among other regions, has positioned Guthrie’s for tremendous growth potential well into the future.”

The new Locust Grove Guthrie’s is located at 3030 Bill Gardner Parkway, Locust Grove, GA 30348. The restaurant will be open Monday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. To contact the store visit guthrieschicken.com.