Downtown Lexington restaurant closing, but its chicken isn’t going away
A popular fried chicken restaurant that lost its Lexington location will serve its last meal at the downtown dining spot Aug. 10.
But that does not mean Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is leaving Lexington.
Franchise owner and operator Gus Oyler plans to cook up the spicy, hand-trimed Southern fried chicken chain’s offerings from a custom-built food truck that has been “incredibly busy” since he got it in April he said.
But Oyler said his goal is to find another brick and mortar restaurant location and reopen, something he’s activity been looking for after a month-to-month agreement with his landlord was terminated in June. The owners of Carson’s Food & Drink then signed a lease to take over the space at the back of the building, facing Water and East Vine streets, for a new restaurant. Carson’s Back Porch is expected to open in Spring 2026.
“We will be back, hopefully sooner than later, but we just want to make sure it’s the right move, instead of just trying to force something,” said Oyler.
When will Gus’s Fried Chicken close?
The last day for dine-in service at the restaurant at 321 E Vine St. will be Sunday, Aug. 10, closing at 5 p.m. They will remain open for curbside service and DoorDash orders until Tuesday (11 a.m.-2 a.m.).
Oyler said the food truck will mostly be used for catering and events but will likely do pop-ups at local locations.
“I think we’re just going to take advantage of that in the meantime, and just be patient until we find the space that we really want, that can have the parking that customers desire, a great location, and we just don’t have enough time at this moment. All the ask was too much,” Oyler said.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Where: 321 E Vine St.
Last day open for dine-in: Sunday, Aug., closing at 5 p.m.
Food truck catering: email at GUSO@gusfriedchicken.com
This story was originally published August 7, 2025 at 11:18 AM.
