This West Coast Chicken Chain Was In all places In The ’80s — Now Solely 2 Stay

Included in our listing of as soon as common ’80s fast-food chains we miss, Pioneer Chicken is a legendary rooster restaurant. Founded in California, it debuted in 1961 and hit its peak all through the ’70s and ’80s. At one level, the restaurant boasted 270 places, which had been principally located on the West Coast. Pioneer Chicken additionally had fairly a little bit of star energy backing it, with sports activities legends Muhamad Ali and Kareem Abdul Jabbar showing in commercials throughout the chain’s heyday. O.J Simpson additionally appeared in a Pioneer Chicken industrial (however that is not precisely a promoting level).

These days, the chain has been whittled down to only two California places: one within the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, whereas the opposite is situated in Bell Gardens, which is a couple of 20-minute drive from LA. While the rooster chain would not maintain the sway it as soon as did, the restaurant remains to be alive and effectively on Reddit, the place one consumer commented, “I think Pioneer has the best fried chicken in L.A.” Another particular person stated the chain’s meals was “more flavorful [and] crispier” than what you get at KFC, which is arguably the chain with the worst fried rooster, because of a steep high quality decline.

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What Happened To Pioneer Chicken?

Somewhat surprisingly, the Pioneer Chicken chain discovered new life in Indonesia, although it now goes by a special identify. Legend has it that Indonesian college students attending the University of Southern California cherished the meals a lot that they established franchises after they headed house. Eventually, these franchises advanced into new proprietary eating places dubbed California Fried Chicken in honor of the unique chain. There are fairly a number of California Fried Chicken chains all through Indonesia. According to a web based menu, the restaurant provides fried rooster buckets, rooster strips, French fries, rice, onion rings, and extra.

As for the chain’s decline within the U.S., a chapter submitting in 1988 resulted in Popeyes reportedly absorbing many of the remaining Pioneer Chicken places after buying the corporate within the early 90s. However, the grandchildren of the unique franchisee on the helm of the remaining Los Angeles location are aiming to lift the profile of the restaurant by way of social media. Unlike Pollo Campero, Bonchon, and the opposite fried rooster chains you will see extra of in 2025, Pioneer Chicken in all probability will not make a comeback anytime quickly. However, we’re hopeful that the renewed advertising efforts will get individuals speaking about this LA-based rooster chain once more.

Read the original article on Mashed.