Chamber Spotlight ~ Chicken Mary’s

If you have never eaten at Chicken Mary’s restaurant then you are missing out on a local favorite. The menu features fried chicken, delicious sides, including onion rings, German slaw & potato salad. In 2010 the restaurant was the winner of the Food Network “Chicken” Food War! Check out this event at https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x12ip13 This victory brought chicken lovers from across the country and world to southeast Kansas to try this Food Network Favorite.  

I sat down with Lana Brooks, the Manager of Chicken Mary’s, who began her journey with the restaurant in 1969 and became the manager in 1980, and what a journey it has been! It is a family affair for Lana as her husband Harold joined her in the restaurant in 1999 when he retired from the railroad. Her sisters, Joyce & Lori, also help manage the location. She laughs as she mentions that she has “seen it all” through years with inflation, shortages, and the most challenging obstacle to date has been the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chicken Mary’s stayed very busy with catering events in our area prior to the pandemic. 35% of their revenue was generated from corporate, schools, weddings, and organizational events. When that came to a screeching halt in March of 2020. An effective “Plan B” had to be created and executed by the management team & staff. Looking at a complete shutdown of their restaurant for 6 weeks they started their curbside pick-up that has been wildly successful. Lana believes it will remain a part of the business model moving forward beyond the pandemic.  

They also started a Saturday, Food Truck service to visit area towns including Nevada, Forth Scott & Webb City. With a limited menu & and special advanced ordering the restaurant was able to sell out each event and that made many “Chicken Mary Lovers” very happy!

The restaurant is now open to 100% capacity, the tables are spread out more than usual and you can call in to make a reservation. They also have contactless curbside pickup for those who would prefer to take their order to go. Please call Chicken Mary’s at (620) 231-9510 or stop by their location 1133 E 600th Avenue in Pittsburg, KS.