October 15, 2025

Guthrie’s Chicken Restaurant to Open in Raleigh

News Summary

Guthrie’s, a popular chicken finger chain, is set to launch its first North Carolina location in Raleigh on November 4, with a drive-thru and indoor seating. This move will create 50-60 jobs and signifies the company’s growth in the southeastern U.S., with nine more locations planned in North and South Carolina over the next six months. Guthrie’s specializes in chicken fingers and has over 70 locations across 13 states, with a projected significant growth in the chicken finger restaurant industry.

Raleigh, North Carolina to Welcome New Chicken Restaurant in November

Guthrie’s, a popular chicken finger chain, is set to open its first location in North Carolina in Raleigh on November 4, 2025. The opening date may be subject to change. The new restaurant will be situated near the busy intersection of Wake Forest and Six Forks Roads and will feature both a drive-thru and an indoor dining area. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company as it enters the North Carolina market.

Job Creation and Local Impact

The upcoming Raleigh restaurant is expected to generate approximately 50 to 60 new jobs for the local community. The development reflects Guthrie’s ongoing strategy to increase its footprint within the southeastern United States. The company plans to expand further in the region, with nine additional restaurants slated for opening across North and South Carolina within the next six months.

Background of Guthrie’s

Guthrie’s was founded in the 1960s by Hal Guthrie in Haleyville, Alabama. Originally, the restaurant offered a broader menu of Southern comfort foods. The company’s focus shifted in the 1980s toward chicken fingers, with the second location opening in Auburn, Alabama. The chain’s first chicken finger-only location was established in Athens, Georgia, in 1984, which marked the beginning of its specialization in this cuisine.

Growth and Competition

Over the years, Guthrie’s experienced growth, but faced increased competition from other chains such as Zaxby’s and Raising Cane’s in the mid-1990s. To keep pace, the company began franchising to expand its reach. Despite challenges like the 2007-08 financial crisis, Guthrie’s managed to resume its expansion efforts. Currently, the company operates over 70 locations across 13 states, with plans for continued growth.

Market Position and Industry Outlook

The company specializes mainly in chicken finger meals, offering a limited menu primarily focused on different sizes and styles of chicken fingers. Industry analysis suggests the chicken finger restaurant business is growing rapidly, with current annual revenue estimated at $15 billion. Future projections estimate these revenues could increase to $80 billion within the next 20 years, indicating a significant growth trend in this segment.

Location Details and Nearby Developments

The new Raleigh site was previously home to Courtney’s restaurant and a Raleigh Auto Spa car wash. Both establishments have been demolished to make way for Guthrie’s construction. The site’s strategic location places it near a TD Bank branch under construction across the intersection. Guthrie’s did not respond to requests for additional details about their specific operations or plans for the Raleigh location.

Competitive Landscape

The Raleigh location will join other chicken-focused fast-food outlets at the intersection, notably Chick-fil-A, which already operates in the area. This placement positions Guthrie’s among established competitors in a busy commercial corridor, likely aimed at capturing the local demand for quick-service chicken meals.

Summary of Key Facts

Guthrie’s, a chicken finger chain, is opening its first North Carolina store in Raleigh on November 4, 2025.
The new restaurant is located near the intersection of Wake Forest and Six Forks Roads, with a drive-thru and indoor dining.
The Raleigh location will create approximately 50-60 jobs.
Guthrie’s was founded in the 1960s in Haleyville, Alabama, and shifted focus to chicken fingers in the 1980s.
Current operations include over 70 locations across 13 states, with more planned for the coming months.
The company specializes in chicken finger meals with a limited menu, highlighting its core product.
The chicken finger industry is estimated to generate $15 billion annually, projected to reach $80 billion in 20 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guthrie’s?: Guthrie’s is a chicken finger chain with dozens of locations across 12 states.
When does Guthrie’s open in Raleigh?: The restaurant is scheduled to open on November 4, 2025, although the date may change.
What features will the Raleigh location have?: The new restaurant will have a drive-thru and indoor dining room.
How many jobs will the Raleigh store create?: The Raleigh location will create approximately 50-60 jobs.
Where was the first Guthrie’s founded?: The original Guthrie’s restaurant was opened in Haleyville, Alabama, in the 1960s.
How has Guthrie’s expanded over the years?: The company began expansion in the 1980s, opening locations in Alabama and Georgia, and now operates over 70 locations across 13 states.
What is the industry outlook for chicken finger restaurants?: The industry is growing rapidly, with annual revenue at $15 billion and projections to reach $80 billion in 20 years.

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Guthrie’s Chicken Opens First Location in Raleigh

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Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER

RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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