Ezell's Chicken
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fast food |
| Founded | February 3, 1984 in Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Founder | Ezell Stephens, Lewis Rudd |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
Area served | Puget Sound region, Spokane, Washington, United States |
| Products | Fried chicken, fast food |
Ezell's Famous Chicken is a fast food establishment based in Seattle, established on February 3, 1984, in the city's Central District, close to Garfield High School. The brand has expanded to include 12 more outlets throughout the Puget Sound region, notably opening a branch on the Microsoft campus in Redmond in 2006. In 2015, Ezell's extended its reach outside Western Washington by inaugurating a location in Spokane. That year also marked the chain's first international venture with a store in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, which has since ceased operations.
The restaurant achieved nationwide acclaim when talk show host Oprah Winfrey declared it her preferred fried chicken, reportedly having it shipped to Chicago to satisfy her cravings.
History
The founders, Ezell Stephens and Lewis Rudd, launched the initial restaurant on February 3, 1984, in Seattle's Central District. Both originating from Scottsville, Texas, they financed their startup through a Small Business Administration loan after attending evening classes. A second branch was opened in the University District in 1988 but was closed in 1994 due to financial difficulties. Growth efforts recommenced in 1998.
In 2021, Ezell's introduced the "R.U.B.B. (Raising Up Black Businesses) Initiative," distributing twenty grants of $2,500 each to Black-owned enterprises and organizations within Washington state. The program was broadened in 2022 to incorporate a leadership conference, highlighting the company’s dedication to fostering community progress.
Departure of Ezell Stephens
Following legal disagreements, co-founder Ezell Stephens exited the business and established three separate restaurants located in Everett, Lake City, and Renton, Washington. In November 2011, after losing rights to the Ezell's brand name but retaining his original recipe, he rebranded these establishments as Heaven Sent Fried Chicken. The Renton outlet ceased operations in February 2019.