BJ's Restaurants

Fried chicken has long been a favorite fast-food across a vast range of people. A recent discovery shows our affinity for crispy chicken may date back much further than we thought. Italian researchers from the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies have uncovered materials from ancient Rome, revealing the civilization sold snacks akin to modern fast-food items. Instead of a fried chicken leg, findings show ancient Romans consumed deep-fried songbirds, which were likely sold as a type of quickly prepared street food. This surprising twist may explain why our love for chains like KFC run deep. Among popular fast-food options, fried chicken sits at the top of the list. This menu item has long been a staple of American cuisine, long before the invention of fast-food chains. It has its roots deep in Southern and African American culture (and, apparently, ancient Rome!). Everyone’s favorite comfort food is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Here are the most celebrated fried chicken spots in America. This post was updated on June 26, 2025 to include the recent historical discovery by IMEDEA, and to feature an image shared from Pollo Campero Why We’re Writing About Fried Chicken Fried chicken is a favorite for many Americans, and finding the best can really upgrade your dining experience. As a social food, fried chicken is best enjoyed with family or friends, so knowing the top-rated places can make get-togethers that much better. And why not try something new? You never know, one of the fried chicken restaurants on our list might just become your new favorite hangout. 1. Pollo Campero Pollo Campero ranked #2 on USA Today’s Best Fast Food Fried Chicken. Pollo Campero has been in the chicken business since 1971 and started in Guatemala. The unique thing about this chicken is that it is first marinated before being hand-breaded and fried. This lends a dinner a unique fried chicken experience that really stands out. 2. Jollibee When you think of the Philippines you might not automatically think of fried chicken, but Jollibee is proof that rice and gravy served alongside your fried chicken is just as good, if not better, than mashed potatoes and biscuits. Don’t forget your Filipino sweet-style Spaghetti and Peach Mango Pie! Like Pollo Campero, Jollibee first marinates its famous Chickenjoy before breading and frying. 3. Bonchon Fried chicken. Bonchon is a Korean-based fried chicken chain that prides itself on being extra crispy! This is achieved by double-frying the chicken after battering each piece by hand. After all of the flavor has been locked in, the chicken is hand-brushed with the perfect amount of its signature sauce. Bonchon is on a mission to “share the joy of Korean comfort food around the world.” 4. Raising Cane’s Raising Cane’s. Raising Cane’s isn’t just a fried chicken place. It’s a fried chicken place that supports over 30,000 local businesses all across America. These organizations include food banks, public education, physical fitness programs, no-kill rescues, small businesses, and many more. With its simplistic menu of either chicken fingers or a chicken sandwich and a variety of sides, you won’t experience any decision fatigue here! 5. Checkers Fried chicken. Among other menu items like burgers and hot dogs, Checkers also serves chicken, chicken sandwiches, and wings! Since being founded in Mobile, Alabama, in 1986, it has grown to 500 franchise locations across 30 states. If your state doesn’t have a Checker’s, it might have a Rally’s (which is the same company with the same food). 6. Bojangles Famous Chicken and Biscuits Fried chicken. You should go to a chicken place created in the South for truly Southern fried chicken. Bojangles was created in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina. It has over 800 restaurants in 17 states and employs over 9,000 people. Besides its fried chicken, Bojangles recently introduced Peach Cobbler to the menu. 7. Gus’s Fried Chicken Fried chicken. Gus’s Fried Chicken doesn’t just serve up delicious fried chicken, it has a history of serving up unity. Created in the Jim Crow era in Mason, Tennessee, Gus helped bridge the racial divide with his chicken. Each item is made fresh and the chicken is made to order. This Southern spicy fried chicken should not be confused with Nashville hot chicken. Polish off your chicken with a slice of a simple Southern pecan, chess, sweet potato, or chocolate pie. These are also baked daily. 8. Church’s Chicken Church’s Chicken. Church’s Chicken is Texas’s version of fried chicken. In line with Texas’s unofficial motto: “Go big or go home,” the portions here are large, bold, and have had 70 years to perfect. Don’t forget one of the excellent sides like honey-butter biscuit, jalapeno cheese bombers, corn on the cobb, or fried okra. Wanting some more sweetness? You can get apple pie or frosted honey-butter biscuits for dessert. 9. Zaxby’s Zaxby’s car. At Zaxby’s, you can customize your meal with 12 signature sauces ranging from ranch to nuclear hot. Zaxby’s is primarily made of Fingerz and chicken wings. You could also get your chicken in a salad or sandwich form. Top it off with a handcrafted lemonade and fried white cheddar bites. 10. Slim Chickens Fried chicken. Slim Chickens is newer to the fried chicken game and the original founders are still in charge. Slim Chickens specializes in chicken tenders, buffalo wings, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. You can also enjoy its Jar Desserts, which come in Oreo cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate brownie pudding, and cookie dough brownie.The post These Are America’s Favorite Fried Chicken Chains appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..» Mehr auf 247wallst.com

Despite being named for a European country, French fries are a beloved American fast-food item. A burger-and-a-coke just isn’t the same without a side of fries. But just as strongly as we know our love of French fries, we also know that all French fries are not created equal. An analysis of nationwide Yelp reviews was recently conducted by Seating Masters. After analyzing upwards of 40,000 reviews across 25 fast-food restaurants, they ranked the best and worst fries. Fans of McDonald’s might be surprised to see how low the iconic brand scored, with others like Bojangles and Chick-fil-A outcompeting them when it comes to the iconic snack. Each chain was given a score of up to five, with higher numbers representing better flavor, quality, and overall likability. The top 10 contenders contain a range of fry styles, from shoestring to waffle to classic. Meanwhile, the bottom 3 might surprise you. This slideshow explores Seating Master’s French fry rankings, from worst to best. Learn how Americans judge their fries and what constitutes the best of the best. Next time you’re craving America’s favorite crispy snack food, consult this list and head to one of the top choices. 13. KFC Score: 1.77 Comments: Bland, undercooked, and cold 12. McDonald’s Score: 1.91 Comments: Overly salty and soggy 11. Burger King Score: 1.91 Comments: Lukewarm and lacking flavor 10. Checkers Score: 2.84 Comments: Rounding out the top 10 with their seasoned offerings. 9. Hardee’s Score: 2.86 Comments: Traditional style fries, slightly below average. 8. Arby’s Score: 2.89 Comments: Known for classic curly fries and sandwiches. 7. Zaxby’s Score: 2.98 Comments: Moderate reviews for their seasoned fries. 6. Raising Canes Score: 3.24 Comments: Crinkle-cut fries with a loyal following. 5. Chick-fil-A Score: 3.4 Comments: Waffle fries loved for their texture and dip-ability. 4. Bojangles Score: 3.51 Comments: Southern-style seasoned fries with regional popularity. 3. Freddy’s Score: 3.59 Comments: Shoestring-style fries are crispy and highly rated. 2. Shakes Shack Score: 3.7 Comments: Known for crinkle-cut fries that made a triumphant return to the menu. 1. In-N-Out Score: 3.86 Comments: Praised for fresh-cut fries prepared daily in-store. The post America’s Favorite Fast Food French Fries, Plus 3 You Should Avoid appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..» Mehr auf 247wallst.com

Starting June 26, guests can enjoy BJ's signature world-famous dessert layered with graham cracker crumbles, toasted marshmallows and Ghirardelli® chocolate, alongside new brews—Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter™, Hard Root Beer and Co-Hoperate Pils™—and the new All-American Smash Burger HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. , June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (NASDAQ: BJRI) is serving up summer in the boldest, most indulgent way possible—with the return of its beloved Graham Cracker S'mores Pizookie®, a fresh lineup of seasonal brews, including BJ's Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter™, BJ's Hard Root Beer and BJ's Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils™, and the new All-American Smash Burger—perfect pairings for long summer days and starry nights.» Mehr auf prnewswire.com