Rooster's Chicken Shack brings retro feel, fried chicken to Bartlett
Katherine Burgess
Amy Arrington and Allen Blaylock knew they wanted to serve chicken at their new restaurant. They also knew they wanted a fun, attention getting logo that had something to do with chicken.
Soon, Rooster Leghorn was dubbed the sunglasses-wearing mascot for Rooster's Chicken Shack, a drive-thru and walk-up restaurant that opened November at 5980 Bartlett Center Drive in Bartlett.
"We wanted to bring that old soda shop feel back, but with the convenience of a drive thru," said Arrington.
The little restaurant serves chicken strips, nuggets and chicken and waffles. They also have mini chicken tacos, "cheddar balls" made of deep fried cheddar cubes served with honey mustard, fried sweet potato tots and more. This Christmas, they've been offering a green "Peppermint Grinch Shake."
Arrington and Blaylock have worked in the restaurant and bar industry for years. Arrington grew up working at her family's restaurant in Mississippi, and Blaylock has worked on Beale Street in Memphis for more than 20 years.
With Rooster's Chicken Shack, they wanted to open something that was their own, small enough to be easily managed and family-friendly, Arrington said.
The chicken shack plays music from the 1950s and 1960s, and in the spring they plan to start lawn games on the grassy lot outside.
In addition to the drive-thru and walk-up windows, the shack has picnic tables and outdoor bar stools.
Arrington said that since opening, Rooster's Chicken Shack has already seen regular customers. Being in Bartlett reminds her of growing up in a small town, she said, where people quickly get to know each other.
"A lot of times mealtime is the only time people get to decompress and take a minute to refuel and refresh themselves before they go back out and conquer the rest of their day," Arrington said. "I like being a part of that and being able to bring a little bit of positivity and happiness and leave them with a smile.”
Katherine Burgess covers county government and the suburbs. She can be reached at katherine.burgess@commercialappeal.com or followed on Twitter @kathsburgess.
Food:Mother-daughter team offers tasty treats at Bartlett's new Buttercream Bakery