Champy's History

Once upon a bird…

With a family recipe that stretched back 40 years and a love for the food and culture of the Mississippi Delta, Seth and Crissy Champion opened the first Champy's Famous Fried Chicken in Chattanooga in June 2009. Seven additional locations and millions of smiles later, Champy's still delivers fried-to-order chicken, hand-rolled Mississippi tamales, homemade sides and desserts, a fun beverage selection, and the best atmosphere in town.

Photo Credit: Rich Smith Photography

Champy's Mission

Family, friends & fried chicken

Champy's strives to offer a delicious menu that honors our 40-year old family recipe and the food culture of the Mississippi Delta. We take the time to do everything right: that means all the food we serve is made by hand, every piece of chicken is fried-to-order, and we serve it all with a fun, friendly attitude that helps people enjoy their time with us.

Champy's People

One plucky team

We're proud of the food we serve here, but Champy's wouldn't be Champy's without our amazing people in the front and back of the house. Our team show up everyday ready to do what it takes to make our food, atmosphere, and experience the best in the world. Sound good? Then click the button below and join the crew!

Champy's Locations

Eight great southern spots

If you live, work, or visit the tri-state region of southeast Tennessee, northeast Alabama, or northwest Georgia, there's almost certainly a Champy's near you. Visit any one of our eight locations to experience the fun and flavor of authentic Mississippi Delta comfort food and the best fried chicken you've ever put in your mouth.

Champy's News

Poultry in motion

Visit our News page to stay abreast (sorry, we had to) of all things Champy's. We'll post stories about special hours, new locations, and exciting promotions you won't want to miss.

Champy's Awards

“It’s fried gold!”

When people try our famous fried chicken, they just have to talk about it! Here are just a few of the awards and mentions we've earned from local and national press.

Best of the Best: Best Fried Chicken – 8 Years in a Row, 2012-2019

Taste of the South: "Where Locals Eat" 2019

USA Today: "20 of the Best Fried Chicken Places in America" 2019

Delta Business Journal: 2018

CNN HLN: Top 100 Places to Eat Like a Local

Best of Southern Living

Southern Living – Honorable Mention

Urban Spoon: Most Popular Cheap Eats – 2012

Local Eats Honoree – 2013

Trip Advisor: Certificate of Excellence – 2012

Garden & Gun – June/July 2011

Chatter Magazine – May/July 2010

Chattanooga CityScope Magazine – 2010


Champy’s is known for great customer service. It is the simple truth: out of the hundreds of visits to a Champy’s, I have always been treated friendly by everyone and have been taken care of each and every time.

- Steven L., Yelp

This place should be on the ‘Best of America’ restaurants. It is my happy place. Their food and drinks are fantastic. Their staff is so friendly.

- Patrick H., Yelp

Forty’s and Fowl! Awesome atmosphere, awesome food, and some good beer.

- Tristan E., Yelp

If you like great fried chicken, or crawfish when in season, then this is your place. Great service, fun atmosphere, and a wide selection of adult beverages make Champy’s a restaurant you will come back to again and again!

- Craig E., Yelp