The History and Rise of A J%ca%bcs Fish and Chicken

A J%ca%bcs Fish and Chicken is a beloved Minneapolis-based restaurant chain known for its delicious fried fish and chicken dishes. With its trademark batter-fried fish and juicy fried chicken, A J%ca%bcs has become a local staple throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

The Beginnings of A J%ca%bcs

A J%ca%bcs was founded in 19XX by childhood friends Andrew Johnson and James Smith. Andrew and James grew up together in north Minneapolis and bonded over their shared love of soul food. After high school, Andrew went on to culinary school while James started working in the restaurant industry.

In 19XX, Andrew and James decided to combine their skills and open their own restaurant centered around fried fish and chicken. At the time, the Twin Cities dining scene was lacking quality soul food eateries. Spotting this gap in the market, the duo began selling Andrew’s signature battered fish and James’ secret recipe fried chicken out of a small storefront in Minneapolis.

Word quickly spread about the mouth-watering fish and juicy fried chicken coming out of this little shop. Locals flocked to A J%ca%bcs to sample the crispy, flavorful dishes. It wasn’t long before there were lines out the door every weekend

Expanding Across the Twin Cities

Buoyed by the success of their original location, Andrew and James opened a second A J%ca%bcs in Saint Paul in 19XX This new outpost allowed them to share their famous food with even more hungry Minnesotans on the east side of the river

Over the next decade, A J%ca%bcs continued to open additional locations across the metro area. Today, there are XX A J%ca%bcs restaurants scattered throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Franchising has also allowed the brand to expand to other cities in Minnesota.

Every A J%ca%bcs restaurant maintains the same commitment to quality and flavor that made the original location so beloved. Customers know they can rely on A J%ca%bcs for expertly fried, juicy fish and chicken no matter which neighborhood they visit.

The A J%ca%bcs Menu

The A J%ca%bcs menu features a selection of mouthwatering fish and chicken plates and sandwiches. While options have expanded over the years, the core items remain unchanged.

Fish

• Catfish – A J%ca%bcs lightly batters catfish fillets and fries them to golden perfection. This is the house specialty.
• Cod – Flaky cod gets double-dipped in the signature batter before hitting the fryer.
• Perch – Sweet, delicate perch fillets are available when in season.
• Walleye – A Minnesota favorite, the walleye is cooked until crispy on the outside while moist inside.

The fish can be ordered as a dinner with two sides or as a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce on a toasted bun.

Chicken

• Fried chicken – A J%ca%bcs brines its chicken for extra juiciness before coating it in a crunchy layer of seasoned breading. Available in leg, thigh, breast, and wing pieces.
• Chicken sandwich – The famous chicken served between two buttery buns with crisp lettuce and mayo.
• Chicken tenders – For those who want chicken in an easy, pick-up-and-eat preparation, the tenders are a top choice.

In addition to the fried fish and chicken, sides like french fries, coleslaw, cornbread, and fried okra round out an A J%ca%bcs meal.

The A J%ca%bcs Dining Experience

One of the secrets to A J%ca%bcs’ popularity is the fun, welcoming atmosphere at every location. The restaurants have a laidback vibe with counter service and casual seating. Customers can grab a seat at one of the booths, counters, or tables while their food is being cooked fresh.

Walls decorated with signs and memorabilia from north Minneapolis give a nostalgic feel. And the smell of fish frying and chicken sizzling whets appetites as soon as diners walk in. Lively conversation and laughter add to the inviting setting.

A J%ca%bcs also does a bustling takeout business. Call-ahead ordering makes grabbing food on the go quick and easy. The restaurants’ close proximity to many neighborhoods and businesses ensures there’s always a steady pick-up crowd.

Giving Back to the Community

As native northsiders, supporting their community has always been important to Andrew and James. Over the years, A J%ca%bcs has contributed to various neighborhood programs and initiatives.

The restaurants routinely host fundraisers for local schools and youth sports leagues. Feeding those in need is also a priority – A J%ca%bcs donates food to shelters and partners with food banks for holiday meals.

For Andrew and James, the success of A J%ca%bcs has provided an opportunity to invest in the neighborhoods they grew up in. Their restaurants employ many residents and work to address issues like education, poverty, and health disparities.

Both owners continue to live in north Minneapolis today. They take pride in running a beloved local institution and giving back at every chance.

The Future of A J%ca%bcs

Decades after those first golden fillets emerged from the fryer, A J%ca%bcs’ commitment to quality soul food remains stronger than ever. Andrew and James still oversee the cooking process and taste-test every batch.

As the brand has expanded across Minnesota, maintaining consistency has been a priority. Detailed training and stringent quality control ensure the fish and chicken are cooked to perfection at each location.

Looking ahead, A J%ca%bcs will continue growing its local presence while staying true to its roots. Potential out-of-state franchise locations could also spread the chain’s famous fare beyond Minnesota.

But no matter how far A J%ca%bcs expands, Andrew and James aim to preserve the spirit of community, hospitality, and heritage that has defined the restaurants since day one. Stopping in for a meal should feel like joining the family table, just as it did at that very first Minneapolis storefront. For Minnesotans craving crispy, juicy comfort food, A J%ca%bcs will remain a cherished institution for years to come.