Get ready for some legendary food when Chicken Express opens in Natchitoches next month. The restaurant will hold a soft opening Monday, Feb. 5 from 10 am – 10 pm. It’s grand opening event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 10 am – 10 pm.

Owners Roy and Robert Harris grew up working in their father’s poultry farming business in Texas. In operation since 1957, Roy and Robert are still involved in its daily operations. Robert manages the business. Roy helps with the family business. He and his wife Mary both teach in Texas and own Bridge Bay Resort in Many.

Going from one end of the chicken to the other, Roy and Robert decided to open a Chicken Express. “You gotta start with something you like,” said Robert with a smile.

“Chicken Express doesn’t have that corporate food chain feel,” said Roy. “It’s a family run business.

With family ties to the Many, Converse and Negreet areas, the Harris brothers have always enjoyed taking trips to Natchitoches. When looking at locations for their restaurant, it felt like a perfect fit.

“We’ve always loved Natchitoches,” said Roy. “We liked the town’s history and culture and, with it being a college town, we felt like it was a good place for this business opportunity.”

All the “fresh” (not frozen) chicken products are precisely marinated; dipped in a secret batter mix and cooked to perfection. This gives the customer a hot and juicy flavoring, that’s unique to Chicken Express. The best part is, up to a 3-piece meal, you can choose any combo of chicken at no additional charge.

But that’s not all. There’s also whole filets of catfish fried to golden perfection and Chicken Express’s famous sweet tea, which is sold by the gallon. Choose from a variety of sides including cheese sticks, fried pickles, jalapeño poppers, mac & cheese, corn poppers, fried okra, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob and cherry/apple pie.

It’s not just about the products for Roy and Robert Harris. They never want to meet a stranger and feel engaging with the community is essential. First Responders will receive a 10% discount.

“We want to know the people who come into our store and we want them to know us,” said Roy.

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