Chicken's Kitchen, the buzzy Gretna lunch counter with national praise and a James Beard nod, is stepping onto a bigger stage. Owner Marlon "Chicken" Williams says the West Bank favorite will make its French Quarter Festival debut this weekend while he readies a new dine-in restaurant at 921 Peters Road in Harvey. The move trades that famous takeout line for real plates and an actual dining room, with Williams targeting a May opening. For regulars, it is the end of a grab-and-go era and the start of a sit-down chapter for the much-loved spot.
Speaking with WWL-TV, Williams said gearing up for the festival "is a lot of work and the pace is intense" and noted that the Gretna counter has long lines and deeply loyal customers. He told WWL-TV the original Gretna shop became a place of refuge after Hurricane Ida, and that the decision to close it has been emotional for him.
From Takeout Line To Plates
The Harvey location will finally give Chicken's Kitchen fans a chance to sit down, with room for seating and food served on plates instead of in to-go boxes. In February, Axios reported that Williams had initially planned a CBD spot on Dryades Street and was aiming for a May opening. The Harvey address appears to be the latest update to that plan, keeping the timeline but shifting the neighborhood.
Festival Debut And Menu
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. lists Chicken's Kitchen among the new culinary vendors for the April 16–19 festival, putting the West Bank standout alongside longtime local festival staples. Williams told WWL-TV that the booth will serve soul bowls and oxtail jambalaya, a festival teaser for what he hopes to dish up in the new dining room.
Why The Move Matters
For anyone who has spent a lunch hour in Chicken's Kitchen's signature Gretna line, the Harvey shift promises the same comfort food with a more comfortable setup. Axios notes that Chicken's Kitchen has drawn national attention, including a New York Times mention and a James Beard semifinalist nod. Williams says the new restaurant will keep the same hours and the same plate-focused approach that put his West Bank kitchen on the map.
When And Where To Go
Williams is still targeting a May opening for the Harvey restaurant, and festivalgoers can track down Chicken's Kitchen on the French Quarter Fest food page for April 16–19. For the full festival schedule and complete vendor list, see the French Quarter Festival.
