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Chicken in the Rough

From Alfawiki
Chicken in the Rough
Company typeRestaurant chain and former franchise
IndustryFast casual restaurant
Founded1936; 90 years ago (1936)
FoundersBeverly and Rubye Osborne
ProductsFried chicken, shoestring potatoes, biscuits and honey
Websitechickenintherough.com/index.htm

Chicken in the Rough, also referred to as Beverly's Chicken in the Rough, is a fried chicken restaurant chain that previously operated as a franchise. It ranks among the earliest U.S. restaurant chains to adopt franchising.[1][2] Established in 1936 by Beverly and Rubye Osborne in Oklahoma City, its hallmark offering—a half portion of fried chicken served with shoestring potatoes and a honey-drizzled biscuit—was introduced that same year.[3][4] Presently, this signature meal is available at three sites: Oklahoma City, Port Huron, Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario.[5] The brand identity includes a rooster mascot depicted smoking a cigar while holding a golf club, accompanied by "Chicken's Caddie," which features a chick acting as a golf caddie to endorse the dish.[3][6]

History

The origin of the brand’s name traces back to an aborted 1936 journey when Beverly accidentally dropped a picnic basket containing chicken after Rubye encountered a bump on an Oklahoma prairie road. Rubye is said to have remarked, "This is really chicken in the rough," which inspired the restaurant’s title.[3][4] Another interpretation suggests it refers to consuming chicken without cutlery during family picnics; however, the official website endorses the first narrative.[1]

Beverly's Pancake Corner (currently known as Beverly's Pancake House) in Oklahoma City serves as the foundational location for Chicken in the Rough. The original half-chicken entrée continues to be prepared there following its authentic recipe.[3][7] The initial standalone Chicken in the Rough eatery was launched in 1936 along U.S. Route 66 at 2429 North Lincoln as a modest drive-in featuring nine stools and four booths.[3] Over time, it expanded to accommodate up to 1,100 guests, drawing travelers, movie stars, and government officials alike.[3] Distinguished visitors included personalities such as Bob Hope and Gene Autry, highlighting the establishment’s prominence and brand appeal.[4] Memorabilia like a photograph of Hope with a birthday cake crafted by the restaurant are exhibited at Beverly's Pancake House.[4] The original facility was razed in 1961 to allow construction of the state capitol complex.[3]

Expansion

Chicken in the Rough holds the distinction of being America's first restaurant chain to implement national franchising. By 1937, outlets were operational along Route 66 spanning Arizona, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois. In 1949, an innovative grill was engineered to cook chicken through simultaneous frying and steaming processes, coinciding with the initiation of franchising efforts. At its zenith, nearly 300 franchise locations existed worldwide, including sites in South Africa and Hawaii; Oklahoma City alone hosted seven franchises. Following a sale to an investment group during the 1960s, the number of franchises decreased to 68. In 1974, Randy Shaw, Osborne’s business partner, acquired ownership of the chain.

Today

As of July 2023, Chicken in the Rough is still offered at three locations: Sarnia, Ontario; Port Huron, Michigan; and New Market, Virginia. The recipe features a distinctive breading and is cooked using a deep-frying method. Beverly's Pancake Corner in Oklahoma City, founded in 1956, continues to attract dedicated customers. When this establishment was torn down in 2008, former patrons gathered pieces of the building as keepsakes.

See also

Further reading

  • Bailey, Brianna. "Chicken in the Rough brand holds on at Beverly's in Oklahoma City," Tulsa World, July 30, 2014.
  • Bailey, Brianna. "Chicken in the Rough may fly again," Tulsa World, July 30, 2014.

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named History
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Bacharach
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Route66
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Bailey 2014
  5. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named FastFood
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Oklahoma Gazette 2015
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