Guy Fieri is bringing his signature bold flavors to an unexpected spot: Walmart. The Food Network star and restaurateur has just opened a new Chicken Guy! inside a Walmart in Gardendale, Alabama â marking the chainâs first location in the state and only the third Walmart-based restaurant nationwide.
Chicken Guy! Expands Into Alabama
According to AL.com, Chicken Guy! officially opened its doors on Thursday, September 4, welcoming shoppers at the Walmart on 890 Odum Road. Fieri launched the franchise in 2018 with restaurateur Robert Earl, best known as the founder of Planet Hollywood. Since then, the chain has expanded to states including California, New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Nevada.
âTogether, they created a dining experience that brings big-time flavor, saucy personality, and chicken done right to the fast-casual scene,â the restaurantâs website explains. The concept centers around crispy, juicy chicken paired with bold brines, fresh herbs, and an ever-growing menu of signature sauces.
A press release confirmed that more Alabama locations are on the way.
âWith plans to expand across Alabama in the coming years, the team is committed to delivering bold flavors, warm hospitality, and a crave-worthy fast-casual experience to communities across the region.â
The Gardendale opening marks the 19th Chicken Guy! nationwide and joins the brandâs other Walmart locations in Davie and Ocala, Florida.
Guy Fieriâs Restaurant Empire Keeps Growing
Chicken Guy! is just one part of Fieriâs ever-expanding food empire. He and business partner Steve Gruber opened Johnny Garlicâs in 1996 in Santa Rosa, California, before moving into partnerships with Carnival Cruise Lines, Guyâs Burger Joint, and restaurants across Las Vegas, Baltimore, and beyond.
He even experimented with Guyâs American Kitchen and Bar in New York City, which closed in 2017.
More recently, he launched Guy Fieriâs Flavortown Kitchen, a delivery-only concept.
Fieri also stays busy with his Food Network staples, such as âDiners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,â “Guy’s Grocery Games,” and fan-favorite events like Guyâs Flavortown Tailgate, a free food and music experience held every Super Bowl weekend.
For diners, Chicken Guy! is quickly proving it can compete in the fast-casual space. Business Insider writer Erin McDowell recently reviewed the chain, noting, âBetween the loaded chicken sandwiches and crispy, juicy tenders, the flavor-packed sauces, and the delicious sides, every element of this meal impressed me from start to finish.â
The verdict? Even at more than $50 for a two-person order, McDowell said the meal was âcompletely worth the cost,â pointing out that a single chicken sandwich combo would be closer to $20.
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