Unraveling the Mystery of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles’ OwnershipRoscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles has become an iconic staple of Los Angeles’ culinary scene Known for serving up delicious Southern comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere, this soul food chain has attracted hordes of loyal celebrity customers and locals alike since first opening its doors in 1975
But while the recipe for their signature chicken and waffles combo has stayed consistent over the decades, the ownership behind this beloved eatery has undergone some surprising shifts and revelations. So who exactly is running the show at Roscoe’s today? Let’s break down the history and dive into the details behind Roscoe’s complex ownership story.
The Origins Herb Hudson’s VisionRoscoe’s was founded by Herb Hudson, a Harlem native who relocated to LA in the 1970s and saw an opportunity to fuse two classic dishes – crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles. His initial location in Hollywood quickly took off as Motown stars like Natalie Cole spread the word and celebrities made Roscoe’s their go-to spot.
Hudson’s passion project tapped into a winning combo comforting flavors reminiscent of soul food’s Southern roots, an inviting communal dining experience and that dash of old Hollywood glamour. He rapidly expanded the empire to multiple locations across LA. Roscoe’s became a cultural touchstone thanks to its delicious food and role as a hangout for stars rubbing elbows with locals.
Financial Hardships Lead to a New Chapter
Behind the scenes though, Roscoe’s faced escalating challenges. Rising labor costs, costly legal battles, and overly ambitious expansion took a toll. In 2016, the pressures led Roscoe’s to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
While the filing shook the foundations of this LA establishment, it also signaled a new chapter. Roscoe’s was forced to reevaluate its business strategy, closing some underperforming locations and renegotiating leases to stabilize the company. Most significantly, Herb Hudson began seeking outside investment to revive Roscoe’s future prospects.
Introducing the New Ownership Team
To emerge from bankruptcy, Herb Hudson partnered with a team of private investors well-versed in the restaurant industry. While the identities of all the individual investors are private, the new ownership group brought crucial financial resources and operational expertise to turn the corner.
Notably, Hudson retained a significant stake in the company through this restructuring. The investors recognized his iconic status and allowed him to stay on in a leadership role maintaining Roscoe’s culinary traditions.
One Surprise Investor Revealed
In 2025, an unexpected investor came to light when rapper Cam’ron made a startling announcement: his family has an ownership stake in Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles.
This link between hip-hop royalty and an LA soul food haven highlights surprising connections bridging music, food, and business. While full details remain vague, Cam’ron’s ties add a new wrinkle to understanding who comprises the revitalized ownership group guiding Roscoe’s into the future.
Preserving Roscoe’s Legacy
Today, Herb Hudson continues to be the face of Roscoe’s, focused on preserving the food quality and unique Roscoe’s experience diners expect. The new investor group has provided much-needed capital and management expertise.
It’s a strategic partnership merging Hudson’s vision with the investors’ business acumen. While the bankruptcy rattled this LA mainstay, Roscoe’s has maintained its essence as a community gathering spot for comfort food, celebrities, and good times.
After surviving potential ruin, Roscoe’s now seems poised for a new era under this restructured ownership. Their task is balancing prudent expansion plans and updates with staying true to the spirit of Roscoe’s roots – the magic formula Herb Hudson bottled long ago through chicken, waffles, and a whole lot of soul.
Frequently Asked Questions about Roscoe’s Ownership
Still hungry for more details on the ins and outs of who owns this famous eatery today? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Is Herb Hudson still involved with Roscoe’s?
Yes, Herb Hudson remains actively involved in the company he founded. He holds a significant ownership share and provides guidance on preserving Roscoe’s legacy.
Why did Roscoe’s file for bankruptcy in 2016?
A mixture of factors including high labor costs, legal disputes, and overly rapid expansion caused financial strain, forcing the company to declare bankruptcy to restructure.
Who are the primary owners of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles today?
Herb Hudson maintains ownership. The other primary investors are a group of private individuals with restaurant experience who infused cash to help Roscoe’s recover from bankruptcy.
Has the food quality changed under the new ownership?
No, Roscoe’s insists the recipes and cooking techniques have remained the same. Keeping the original food consistent is a top priority.
What is Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles best known for?
Roscoe’s has built its reputation on the signature dish of fried chicken served alongside fluffy waffles. The mix of sweet and savory, plus a welcoming vibe, solidified its status as an LA icon.
Does Roscoe’s franchise or have plans to in the future?
Not currently. While franchising is possible down the road, Roscoe’s is focused on growing through corporate-owned locations to protect quality control.
Has anything changed at Roscoe’s since emerging from bankruptcy?
The company has been streamlining operations and strengthening its financial footing. But diners will find the same great comfort food and communal energy thanks to Hudson’s continued leadership.
Is Cam’ron really connected to Roscoe’s ownership?
Yes, in 2025 the rapper revealed his family holds an unspecified ownership stake in Roscoe’s. It adds another layer connecting hip-hop stars to this beloved eatery.
The path has had twists and turns, but Roscoe’s still stands strong as an LA institution. With Herb Hudson’s perseverance and guidance from new investors, this soul food favorite looks to have a bright future ahead serving up its signature fare to generations of diners to come.
As a chicken and waffles newbie, I was baffled by the choices on the menu. I considered getting the Obama Special but eventually went with the Scoe’s No. 1, a quarter chicken and two waffles.
I suspect it might be chicken fat. Something told me those waffles were not vegetarian-friendly.
A brief history of Roscoe’s Chicken’n Waffles
FAQ
Does Camron own Roscoes?
Cam’ron recently revealed on his It Is What It Is podcast that his family owns the iconic Roscoe’s Chicken ‘N Waffles, founded by his Harlem-born uncle Herb Hudson.
What is Snoop Dogg’s favorite restaurant?
Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles.
Does Roscoes still have Obama special?
SBRBN LOS ANGELES on X: “Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles has officially removed the Obama Special from their menu https://t.co/J6vAEfowwM” / X.
Who is the coo of Roscoe’s chicken and waffles?
Diana Vare, COO of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, responds to criticism from digital creator Epicurious Creations, igniting debates over politics, boycotts, and authenticity.
Where did Roscoe’s Chicken n Waffles come from?
Leave it up to Cam’ron to uncover the Harlem roots behind L.A.’s iconic Roscoe’s Chicken ‘N Waffles. Roscoe’s Chicken’ N Waffles may be a Los Angeles staple, but according to Harlem native Cam’ron, its roots trace back to Harlem, New York. On a recent episode of his It Is What It Is podcast, Cam’ron revealed his family ties to Roscoe’s.
Does Roscoe’s have Chicken & Waffles?
Roscoeʼs Chicken and Waffles is unique because it combines the flavors of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, creating a mouthwatering culinary experience. 4. Can you get chicken and waffles separately at Roscoeʼs?
Will Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles make San Diego debut?
He lives in Denver, Colorado. Horn, Jonathan and Mark Saunders, “Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles could finally make San Diego debut by the end of the year,” CNN Wire Service, April 17, 2019. Gold, Jonathan, “Waffle Mixer,” Los Angeles Times, May 9, 1996, p.
What happened to Roscoe’s Fried Chicken & Waffles?
Wells’ restaurant closed in 1982 when he became ill, and he died in 1987. His widow, Mrs. Ann Wells, tried to revive the restaurant in the 1990s, but after a short run, it closed permanently. That left Roscoe’s as the only notable restaurant showcasing fried chicken and waffles.
Where did Roscoe’s fried chicken come from?
To speak of Roscoe’s, one must first acknowledge the restaurant where Hudson first ate the dish: Wells Famous Home of Chicken and Waffles in Harlem, New York. Harlem has long been accepted as the native habitat for fried chicken and waffles, thanks to its origin story.
Does Roscoe’s chicken & waffle emporium have a radio spot?
A reporter for the Atlanta Voice newspaper playfully wrote in 1978, just a few years after Roscoe’s opened, “Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffle Emporium which is a west coast version of Nu Yawk’s famous Wells Chicken & Waffles, sure has a soulful radio spot going for them on KJLH/FM Radio Station.