Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken opens in ex-Keegan’s in Ahwatukee

Legendary Memphis-based chain Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken has opened its fourth Valley location in the former Keegan’s Grill space on the southwest corner of Ray and 48th Street in Ahwatukee.

The food: Hot and spicy chicken sold in individual pieces or as plates with sides of potato salad, fried okra, cole slaw, and collard greens. There are five kinds of house-made pie for dessert.

The drinks: Sodas, sweet tea, unsweetened iced tea, lemonade.

The chain: Founded by Vernon “Gus” Bonner in 1984, Gus’s is the two-time reigning champion at the annual National Fried Chicken Festival in New Orleans.

• Gus’s has been named the best fried chicken in America by Forbes and one of the 10 best meals in America by GQ Magazine.

Local history: Gus’s made its Arizona debut in downtown Mesa in 2021 and has since added two locations in Phoenix.

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

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