Who Really Owns Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles? The Surprising Truth!

Hey there, fam! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably drooled over a plate of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles at some point in your life—or at least heard folks rave about it. That crispy, golden chicken paired with fluffy waffles drizzled in syrup? Man, it’s a whole vibe! But today, we ain’t just talkin’ about the food. I’m here to spill the beans on somethin’ even juicier: who actually owns this legendary soul food joint? Stick with me, ‘cause the story behind Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles got some twists you didn’t see comin’!

Let’s cut straight to the chase. The man behind Roscoe’s—the OG who started it all—is Herb Hudson. He kicked things off back in 1975, and since then, this spot has become a straight-up icon, especially out in Southern California. But hold up, there’s more to this tale. Recently, none other than Harlem’s own rapper Cam’ron dropped a bomb, claimin’ his family got a big stake in Roscoe’s—sayin’ his uncles, includin’ a dude named Herb, are the ones runnin’ the show. Wild, right? So, let’s dig into this and unpack who really owns Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles.

Meet Herb Hudson: The Man Who Built Roscoe’s

First off, let’s give props where they due. Herb Hudson is the visionary who brought Roscoe’s to life Picture this it’s the mid-70s, and Herb decides to open a spot in Long Beach, California, servin’ up a combo that sounds a lil’ outta left field—fried chicken and waffles Now, I dunno ‘bout you, but mixin’ savory and sweet like that? That’s a bold move! But Herb knew what he was doin’. He tapped into some deep Southern roots with that comfort food, and folks couldn’t get enough.

Under Herb’s watch, Roscoe’s didn’t just stay a one-off joint. Nah, it grew into a whole chain, with spots poppin’ up all over Southern Cali. We’re talkin’ places like Los Angeles, Inglewood, Anaheim, and Pasadena—seven locations total, last I checked. Each one’s got that same down-home feel, servin’ up plates that make you wanna slap yo’ mama (don’t actually do that, though, ha!). Herb ain’t just a businessman; he created a cultural landmark. People from all walks—rappers, actors, even presidents—have rolled through them doors for a taste.

Now, I ain’t gonna lie, details on Herb himself are a bit hush-hush. He don’t seem like the type to be all up in the spotlight. But what’s clear is his grind paid off. Roscoe’s became more than a restaurant; it’s a symbol of soul food done right. And for nearly five decades, Herb’s been the name tied to its success.

Cam’ron Enters the Chat: A Family Affair?

Alright, now here’s where things get spicy. Just when you thought you knew the deal, Cam’ron—yep, the “Hey Ma” rapper from Harlem—comes out swingin’ with a claim that got everybody’s eyebrows raised. A while back, he was chattin’ on one of his segments, droppin’ it casual-like that his family owns Roscoe’s. He even pointed out two uncles, one of ‘em named Herb, as the big dogs behind the chain. I’m sittin’ there like, “Wait, what? The Dipset dude got ties to my favorite chicken spot?”

Cam’ron ain’t playin’ either. He’s doubled down on this, sharin’ pics of his uncles and givin’ shoutouts to their hustle. He’s proud as heck talkin’ about how some Harlem fam built this West Coast legend. And get this—he mentioned they’re even plannin’ to open a new spot in San Diego soon. So is Cam’ron just flexin’ for clout, or is there truth to this? From what I’ve pieced together, it lines up. If his uncle Herb is the same Herb Hudson who founded Roscoe’s, then yeah, his family’s got serious skin in the game. Ain’t that somethin’?

What I love ‘bout this twist is how it bridges two worlds. You got Harlem grit mixin’ with Cali soul food culture. Cam’ron’s out here reppin’ hip-hop and entrepreneurship, showin’ us that success ain’t just in music—it’s in buildin’ legacies like Roscoe’s. Makes me wonder what other hidden connections celebs got up their sleeves!

The History of Roscoe’s: How It All Started

Now that we got the “who” outta the way, let’s rewind a bit and talk about the “how.” Roscoe’s story kicks off in 1975, like I said, when Herb Hudson opened the first spot in Long Beach. Back then, the idea of chicken and waffles wasn’t exactly mainstream. Sure, it had roots in Southern cookin’ and even some Harlem history, but puttin’ it on a menu as a signature dish? That was next-level thinkin’. Herb took a gamble, and boy, did it pay off.

The name “Roscoe’s” got its own lil’ mystery. Some say it’s just a catchy moniker others reckon it’s tied to a nickname or a nod to someone in Herb’s circle. Whatever the case, it stuck. That first location became the talk of the town drawin’ in folks who wanted a taste of somethin’ different. Word spread fast, and soon enough, Roscoe’s was the place to be. By the time they expanded to other parts of LA and beyond, it wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a cultural hub.

What made Roscoe’s blow up? Part of it was the vibe. Walk into any location, and it feels like you’re at a family cookout. The staff’s friendly, the music’s bumpin’, and the food? Don’t even get me started. But another big piece was the celebrity love. Over the years, big names—think rappers, comedians, even politicians—have rolled through. That kinda buzz turns a spot into a legend real quick.

Why Roscoe’s Matters: More Than Just Food

Let’s keep it real—Roscoe’s ain’t just about fillin’ your belly. It’s about culture, community, and straight-up history. For a lotta folks, especially in the Black community, places like Roscoe’s are a reminder of home-cooked meals and family traditions. That chicken ain’t just chicken; it’s a connection to Southern roots, to grandmas fryin’ up a storm in the kitchen. And them waffles? They’re like a sweet hug on a plate.

Out in Cali, Roscoe’s is a staple. It’s where people go after a late night, where friends catch up over a greasy, delicious meal, where tourists gotta check off their list. I remember the first time I hit up a Roscoe’s in LA—man, I felt like I was part of somethin’ bigger. The walls got history, the menu got soul, and every bite tells a story. That’s the kinda magic Herb Hudson created, and if Cam’ron’s fam is tied to it, then they carryin’ that torch too.

And can we talk about how Roscoe’s reps diversity in a dope way? You got Harlem roots mixin’ with West Coast flavor, creatin’ a spot that everybody claims as their own. It don’t matter where you from—when you at Roscoe’s, you family. That’s rare in a world full of cookie-cutter chains.

Fun Facts About Roscoe’s You Didn’t Know

Since we’re deep in this convo, lemme hit you with some extra tidbits about Roscoe’s that’ll make you appreciate it even more. I’ve been diggin’ around, and here’s what I got:

• All-Day Breakfast, Baby! Yup, you can roll up at 3 p.m. and still get that chicken and waffle combo. They servin’ breakfast vibes whenever you need ‘em.
• Celeb Hotspot: Some serious heavyweights have eaten here. We talkin’ musicians, actors, even a former president or two. Next time you’re there, you might be sittin’ where a legend sat.
• Not a Franchise: Unlike them big fast-food giants, Roscoe’s keeps it tight-knit. Every location is run by the original crew, keepin’ that authentic feel.
• Merch Game Strong: Wanna rep Roscoe’s outside the restaurant? They got shirts, hats, and all kinda gear you can snag. I mighta copped a tee myself—don’t judge!

Here’s a lil’ table of the current Roscoe’s locations, just so you know where to get your fix:

If you’re ever near one, don’t sleep on it. Grab a plate and soak in the atmosphere.

The Food: What Keeps Us Comin’ Back

I can’t talk about Roscoe’s without givin’ some love to the menu. If you ain’t been, let me paint the picture. Their signature dish—chicken and waffles—is the star of the show. You get crispy, juicy fried chicken, seasoned just right, sittin’ next to golden waffles that are soft on the inside, crunchy on the out. Drizzle some syrup or hot sauce (or both, if you’re wild like me), and it’s game over.

But they got more than that. Here’s a quick rundown of some fan faves:

• Scoe’s Special: A hefty mix of chicken wings and waffles, perfect for sharin’ (or not, I ain’t judgin’).
• Southern Fried Chicken: On its own, no waffles needed, with sides like mac ‘n’ cheese or collard greens.
• Gravy-Smothered Options: For when you want that extra comfort kick.
• Sweet Potato Waffles: A lil’ twist on the classic, givin’ you that sweet-savory balance.

Every bite got soul in it. I swear, it’s like somebody’s grandma in the back cookin’ just for you. And don’t forget to pair it with some lemonade or sweet tea—trust me on that.

The Bigger Picture: Entrepreneurship and Legacy

Zoomin’ out for a sec, what Roscoe’s and its owners represent is somethin’ bigger than just a restaurant. Herb Hudson, and by extension Cam’ron’s fam if his story checks out, show us what it means to build a legacy. Startin’ from a single idea in the 70s, they turned a unique dish into a cultural phenomenon. That’s hustle, plain and simple.

For me, hearin’ Cam’ron talk about his uncles’ involvement got me thinkin’ about how many hidden stories are out there. How many other businesses got roots we don’t even know ‘bout? It’s a reminder that behind every spot we love, there’s folks grindin’, dreamin’, and makin’ it happen. Whether it’s Herb runnin’ the show solo or sharin’ the pie with family, the result is the same: Roscoe’s stands tall as a testament to vision and grit.

Let’s Wrap This Up: What’s Your Take?

So, there ya have it—the lowdown on who owns Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. Herb Hudson’s the man who started it all, the brain behind this soul food empire since ‘75. And with Cam’ron throwin’ in his family’s connection, claimin’ his uncles—including Herb—got the reins, it adds a whole ‘nother layer of cool to the story. Whether you buy the full family tie or not, one thing’s clear: Roscoe’s is built on passion, culture, and some damn good eatin’.

I wanna hear from y’all, though. Have you been to a Roscoe’s? Got a fave dish or memory from one of their spots? Or maybe you’re just as shook as I was ‘bout Cam’ron’s reveal. Drop your thoughts below—I’m all ears! And if you ain’t been yet, what you waitin’ for? Get out there, find a location, and taste a piece of history. We’ll catch up over a plate real soon, aight? Keep it real!

Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles recently closed its Pasadena location on Lake Avenue after 30 years of operation. The closure was effective June 23, 2024. However, the restaurant’s management stated they are actively searching for a new location in Pasadena and encouraged customers to stay tuned for updates on their social media.