About Us
What We Stand For
Quality. Community. Family. Tradition. Pride. Giving back. Resilience. Dedication. Loyalty. Honesty. Fun.
And, of course: the best, freshest, most delicious fried chicken you’ve ever tasted—with mouth-watering sides and desserts made fresh and from scratch every day of the week. That’s the Ezell’s Famous Chicken difference, and what sets us apart from all others.
A difference you can taste
We don’t do things the easy way at Ezell’s Famous Chicken, and that starts with the chicken itself. It’s always fresh, top-quality, bigger than what you’ll find at other places, and fried with a secret method that seals in all the juicy flavor while locking out unnecessary oils.
And then there’s our famous sides and desserts: made fresh daily using the very same recipes our founders learned as teenagers back in Texas. One taste of Ezell’s Famous Chicken and you’ll understand why folks have been coming back for more since 1984.
Community First
As our cofounder Lewis Rudd often says, “Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to raise a business.” At Ezell’s Famous Chicken, giving back is a core value. From delivering over 5,000 meals to front-line health care workers since the pandemic began to establishing a grant program to support local Black-owned businesses, if there’s a need in our community, we do our best to be there—just as our community has been there for us since we opened our first location in 1984.
Our History
1978
A dream takes root
It begins in East Texas: Two friends since childhood, hone their skills at Brown’s Fried Chicken and dream of opening a restaurant centered on family, community and the best fried chicken around. Joined by a sister and two additional brothers they move to Seattle to pursue their dream. The foundation of Ezell’s Famous Chicken is set.
1984
Doors open on 23rd
Battling redlining and financial challenges, the family keeps the dream alive for six hard years. At last, the first Ezell’s Famous Chicken opens its doors across the street from Garfield High School. What begins as a neighborhood spot quickly becomes a community cornerstone—and a Seattle staple.
1989
A call from Oprah
Growing pains begin to put the dream in jeopardy—and then Oprah came to town. After being introduced to our irresistible chicken, she sings its praises on national TV. The effect is immediate: Our phones ring off the hook, lines form outside our doors, and we’re invited to cater Oprah’s birthday in Chicago. The dream picks up pace.
2010
Expanding while growing the family legacy
What began as a small, family-owned business is now poised for growth as a franchise. Lewis, Faye and Darnell forge ahead—joined by more than 10 family members in key roles—and Ezell’s expands to 10 thriving restaurants across the greater Seattle area, with dreams for more.
2020
Pursuing the vision of a national brand
Ezell’s Famous Chicken takes its first step toward a national presence by opening its first restaurant beyond the borders of Washington state. The new Ezell’s in Tigard, Oregon is an immediate hit, with lines around the block. The delicious fried chicken, and commitment to community, remain unchanged.
2024
40 years of famous!
Forty years in, Ezell’s Famous Chicken remains grounded in what matters most; family, quality, and community. No shortcuts. No compromises. Just the same commitment to doing it right—one piece of chicken at a time.