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FULTON MARKET — Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken has closed its Fulton Market location after nine years, marking the end of the chain’s only Illinois outpost.
Known for its hot and spicy Memphis-style fried chicken, Gus’s opened a franchised location in 2015 at 847 W. Fulton Market, a prime spot in the growing West Loop dining scene. The location quickly became a competitor to the area’s other chicken restaurants such as Nando’s Peri-Peri and Harold’s Chicken.
On Thursday, Gus’s was boarded up, with a typed note taped to the front entrance.
“Gus’s has made the difficult decision to close this location. We have been here for nine years and we have loved serving you every moment. Please visit us at our many other locations nationwide. Take care of yourself and each other,” the sign read.
The company’s corporate office confirmed in an email the location closed Dec. 13. When asked if employees were notified the company said they were not involved in the closure announcement of the franchise location but was told there was no notice.
“While we were not involved with when or how employees were notified, I was also told there was no notice,” a spokesperson said in a statement said. “As the franchisor, we are sad and disappointed of the closure and the timing of the closure, but very grateful for all the guests and staff that supported this location. I am certain there will be another Gus’s location in the Chicago area very soon.”
Peas & Carrots Hospitality, the franchise owner, said the company didn’t publicly announce the closure ahead of time “to maintain operational stability.” All employees at Gus’s were offered jobs at other Peas & Carrots restaurants, Josh Humphrey, chief operating officer, said in an email.
“After nearly 10 wonderful years, we made the difficult decision to close our doors due to ongoing economic challenges,” Humphrey said.
“To minimize the risk of attrition and maintain operational stability, we made the decision to withhold advance communication regarding the restaurant’s closure until the timing was appropriate,” he said. “This approach ensured that we could continue to provide consistent service and support to our employees during the transition period.”
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken dates back to 1984, when Vernon “Gus” Bonner took over the restaurant his parents started in 1953 in Tennessee, eventually growing it into a chain.
The company has locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.
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