One of my earliest jobs was as a gas station attendant on 7th Street, near downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Right across the street from the station was a Go Chicken Go restaurant. Mine wasn’t a glamorous job; it was a time when operations moved to pay-before-you-pump. I spent most hours sitting in an enclosed booth, taking money and turning on the pumps. I watched a steady stream of customers file in and out of the restaurant with chicken dinners. It seemed like all of KCK would drop in to get it and go home for a delicious dinner.
Humble Beginnings
In the 1960s, a service station on 7th and Kansas Avenue was named Go Gas. The owners, Bill and Mary Hendrix, felt that serving fried chicken to customers would take off. The chicken business soon eclipsed gas, to their surprise, so they removed the pumps. This allowed them to focus on their new enterprise, which they renamed Go Chicken Go in 1969. In the early 70s, they moved their home base to 59 N. 7th Street. Two other places would be added, but both would eventually close. In 1985, Bill and Mary’s boys would purchase the operations from their parents. The boys have moved the local chicken chain forward by adding four locations around the Kansas City metro.
Familiar Aroma
Stepping inside Go Chicken Go, the familiar scent of crispy fried chicken filled the air, instantly igniting my appetite. The unassuming, no-frills interior perfectly matched the restaurant’s reputation—focused on serving delicious, no-nonsense comfort food. A steady stream of customers flowed in and out, a testament to this local institution’s loyal following over the years. The menu board above the counter offered an array of classic fried chicken options, making it difficult to choose just one meal. However, I already had my order: a Two Piece Snack with an extra wing, accompanied by coleslaw and mac and cheese.
Fond Memories of Go Chicken Go
Once my tray arrived, I couldn’t help but admire the golden-brown perfection of the chicken. The crispy coating promised the ideal crunch, while the aroma of the seasoned batter hinted at the flavorful experience ahead. With the first bite, I was immediately reminded why Go Chicken Go remains a Kansas City favorite. The outer crust had just the right amount of crispiness, giving way to tender, juicy meat. Each piece was fried perfectly, showcasing the balance between texture and taste that only a seasoned establishment can achieve.
Tray Filled With Goodness
The sides were just as satisfying. The coleslaw was creamy and slightly tangy, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried chicken. It had just the right amount of crunch, ensuring each bite was as enjoyable as the last. Meanwhile, the mac and cheese delivered on comfort, featuring soft pasta enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. The blend of flavors made it clear that Go Chicken Go knows how to do sides just as well as their signature chicken.
Getting My Go Chicken Go Fix
Times change, as do we. Some things remain that tie us to our younger years. Many fans of the livers or gizzards are raving, but they never worked for me. I have always been happy to leave those for the other customers. These days, there aren’t as many fried chicken places as there were in my youth. Besides GCG, I have found some nice flavors at Gus’s Fried Chicken, but I miss the old KCK haunts like Mrs. Peter’s Chicken. I may even need a road trip to Pittsburg to revisit Chicken Mary’s or Annie’s. They both hold some great memories from the same period as my early days at the gas station. How many of you still enjoy the flavor of Go Chicken Go?
Delicious!!! I miss them and wish there was one where I live … Still in Missouri just closer to St.Louis… I worked at the one they built on 42nd and Shawnee Dr. When they first opened In 2000… Turner Guys are awesome to work for…
Sorry you don’t have the luxury to enjoy them now. You’ll have to make a trip to KCK, and pick some up while you are here.
Ah, memories! Having worked downtown KCK for most of my career, I came to crave the occasional snack of gizzards and livers from Go Chicken Go. Whatever their secret recipe is, I’ve never found any better. The hot sauce is made in-house and is equally delicious. Go Chicken is my go-to comfort food.
It has our vote, as well.
We’ve lived away from Kansas City for five years. Within the week we were back Go Chicken Go for dinner was a must. Been married 37 years & we’ve eating this great fried chicken since being newlyweds. Great food, always consistently fresh food. Never disappointed.
Glad to hear that the restaurant is as strong as your marriage.
When are we getting one North of the river, on Vivion
That would certainly be convenient for many.
Thanks for putting a Go Chicken Go at corner of Vivion and N. Oak in the Northland. Welcome addition for sure
It’s always nice seeing a hometown company find success.
Not that long ago, there was a location on Troost on the left if you were headed towards & almost to Bannister! I stopped there A LOT on my way home. EXCELLENT! Very nice people!
We love that it’s a Kansas City-based chain.
They do the food every year for our family reunion and we go at least a couple times a month. Great local gem and wonderful LOCAL owners.
Sounds like a great shindig. Enjoy!
Are they going to come north of the river, Kansas City Mo on Vivian road?
I haven’t heard, but that would be nice. It would put them close to our daughter’s home. Then we could get it when we visit her.
Been enjoying GCG since your original place on 7th & Kansas Ave. Worked up the street at P&G. Retired in 1992 so now enjoy Olathe location. Been the same great food for all these years. Thanks
They are certainly consistent.
This was such a thoughtful and well-crafted piece.
We appreciate the sentiments.
This place looks delicious. I’m always ready for a fried chicken dinner.
We can agree on that.