Champy's Famous Fried Chicken

From their website: Seth and Crissy Champion opened Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken in June, 2009. Their famous fried chicken is made from an old family recipe from Down in the Delta that is more than 40 years old. When you place an order here, be prepared for a little wait because the chicken is fried fresh with every order. Everything here is fresh and homemade including all of the sides and desserts. Seth and Crissy take pride in their home cooked meals and provide a friendly dining atmosphere. Come visit Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken. You’ll find its the best fried chicken you’ve ever had.


The local Champy's is located on Second Street in Muscle Shoals (If you walk across the street, you're in Sheffield). The company also has stores in Chattanooga, Alabaster, Daphne, and Athens, Georgia.

Hungry? Like Chicken? Then you'll be in heaven when you dine at Champy's. The most consistent criticism I hear about this eatery is their lack of variety, so don't go expecting to get a shrimp cocktail. Champy's is another restaurant with patio seating, but it seems to keep the area warm enough in cold weather. If in doubt, bring a sweater.

Now for the food. They have the best southern fried chicken in the South. The catfish is also some of the best you can get any where. Plus mashed potatoes and gravy that I wish I had the recipe for because it is that good. The baked beans were so good, I was tempted to swallow without chewing.

I was shocked at the portion size of the breast and 'wing'. It wasn't a typical wing piece it was the whole arm! I don't know how they safely carry these heavy chicken pieces on the flimsy Styrofoam plates without disaster. The breading is super crispy and you can taste a hint of spice when you get a good bite of it. The chicken was really moist, hearty, and piping hot.

The chicken sits atop a slice of white bread I assume to soak up the grease because I certainly wasn't eating that greasy slice, but to each his own. The baked beans included kidney beans, large pieces of onions, and bacon. The coleslaw was great, a perfect combo of mayo and tang.

My only complaint was the plastic fork. It doesn't make prying off a piece of chicken from the bone very easy.

So you don't have to wait for coupons, just go. You'll be glad you did.

Today's Motto? Never trust a man who doesn't like chicken.

Cherry Pitts