CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

Guthrie’s, the chicken-finger-only restaurant pioneer, announced last week that its newest restaurant in Opelika is now open at 1305 Columbus Parkway.

“The timing was just right, and we are so excited to offer Opelika residents, families and visitors a chance to experience the absolute best chicken fingers in the world,” said Joe Guthrie, CEO of Guthrie’s Franchising Inc. “We’re chicken finger and fries-loving locals that will live and breathe Opelika. From families to workers, little league teams, late night snackers, tailgaters or anyone craving authentic made-to-order chicken fingers and sides — we’ve got you covered at Guthrie’s. And our signature Guthrie’s sauce — well, it’s just legendary around here.”

For more than 50 years, Guthrie’s has drawn in crowds across the country for its hand-breaded chicken fingers 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 signature dipping sauce. Guthrie’s history across the South spans generations. To this day, it 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 down-home food. Furthermore, the brand’s software, hardware, training and ongoing support and national marketing efforts allows Guthrie’s owners to focus on producing an exceptional product without sacrificing consistency, freshness and quality. With one foot anchored in tradition and the other firmly planted in the future, Guthrie’s has spread to seven states and more than 44 locations.

 “There is something simple, something quintessential about Guthrie’s golden fried chicken fingers that everyone can relate to — it’s very strong and powerful,” Guthrie said. “We’ve remained true to who we are since the original Guthrie’s opened in Haleyville, Alabama, and then expanded into the very first chicken fingers-only restaurant in Auburn.

“While many have copied our approach, we’re still evolving as a restaurant brand even though our menu hasn’t changed. We’re going to be a big part of the Opelika community and the surrounding region. We know that everyone is going to love the freshness and speed of service that families and friends have come to enjoy for generations.”

 The new Opelika Guthrie’s is located at 1305 Columbus Parkway. The restaurant will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. To contact the store, call 334-275-4762 or visit guthrieschicken.com. 

ABOUT GUTHRIE’S FRANCHISING:

Guthrie’s was founded in Haleyville, Alabama, in 1965 and, with the launch of its first chicken fingers-only restaurant in Auburn, Alabama, in 1982, the brand has grown to more than 40 locations across six states. Guthrie’s is dedicated to a simple, yet complex single menu-item format using only the highest quality and freshest ingredients in Fast Casual. This allows franchisees to honor tradition while simultaneously disrupting typical menu diversification to create better opportunities for growth and profitability. Guthrie’s franchisees can expect their initial investment to range from $261,050 to $569,200 excluding real estate costs. For more information about franchising with Guthrie’s, visit guthrieschicken.com/franchising.