BIZNOTE: ‘Sneak peek’ day for Ezell’s Famous Chicken in West Seattle

(WSB photos)

Ezell’s Famous Chicken CEO and co-founder Lewis Rudd is at the new Morgan Junction location today as they open their doors – briefly – for a community “sneak peek.”

It’s been almost a year since we broke the news of an early-stage filing for Ezell’s to move into what was then an AT&T store. Then last month, the signs went up. And now they’re almost ready to open – so they’re doing a trial run, selling food until about 4 pm today (or until they’re sold out).

That’s the West Seattle restaurant’s manager, Kristy – she and her team have some logistics to keep working on, so Ezell’s tells us that while the store may look ready to go, it won’t officially open for a few more weeks (no official date set yet).

Ezell’s is a 37-year-old Seattle-based company with 17 locations in Washington and Oregon – this one (southeast corner of California/Fauntleroy) will be its 18th. Here’s what they serve.

Moose December 31, 2021 (1:05 pm)

Just to clarify… Ezell Stephen lost the name ‘Ezell’s’ in a legal battle but kept his original recipe (the one Oprah loved). Heaven Sent is the name he opened with the original recipe. I’ve had both… You can look up the detail if you need more info.

Derek December 31, 2021 (2:59 pm)

Grew up in the CD and I prefer Lewis’s Ezell’s over Heaven Sent.
Jeff December 31, 2021 (5:20 pm)

Hum, don’t think there was any contradiction in the story..
- Moose January 1, 2022 (12:01 pm)
  
  You’re absolutely right. There isn’t. I had ezell’s before the change and again after. I noticed a big difference and that’s all I meant to mention. I found it interesting and explained the change for me.

SpencerGT December 31, 2021 (2:24 pm)

Do you know when they open for real?

WSB December 31, 2021 (2:42 pm)

As noted in the story, they have not set a date. Sometime next month.

S. December 31, 2021 (2:32 pm)

Please let them have livers!

wsgolfer December 31, 2021 (2:38 pm)

Yay! Exciting. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Derek December 31, 2021 (2:53 pm)

Good luck. Line building all around Thriftway. People being jerks about parking spaces and sliding around in snow.

Blbl December 31, 2021 (4:54 pm)

What, Derek? Maybe you’re just saying that to scare people off, but I was there just before 3:00, and there was only one person in front of me, and I had my (delicious) chicken in about 2-3 minutes. Welcome to West Seattle, Ezells! I was told they would eventually have liver and gizzards and okra, but today’s was a more limited menu.

rob December 31, 2021 (3:06 pm)

you still can’t beat the chicken at SARRS in white center and the price 10 pcs for 8 bucks

Donna Brown January 1, 2022 (9:34 am)

A wholehearted yeah. I find Ezells too greasy. Saar’s is great but they overcook the white meat. Legs and thighs can’t be beat.
Mr Henry January 1, 2022 (7:09 pm)

Rob, where is SARR’S located in White Center
- WSB January 1, 2022 (9:24 pm)
  
  Since Rob has yet to reply – I believe that was a reference to Saar’s Super Saver Foods, the supermarket on 16th just north of 106th.
  https://www.saarssupersaverfoods.com/WeeklyAd/Store/40530/
  - Mr Henry January 2, 2022 (2:21 pm)
    
    Thank you very much WSB. Keep up the good work

aa December 31, 2021 (3:17 pm)

All that matters is if its good. I don’t care if its the original, or who owns the rights to a name or recipe. Its what is on the plate today that matters. I am completely over Oprah. Why should anyone care if some billionaire liked the food once years ago?i have faith in them and wish them success today, just as they are.

Brian December 31, 2021 (8:38 pm)

There is a dedicated concern of people who have a burning need to “educate” people about Ezell’s/Heaven Sent as if they are spreading the gospel of the apostles. It’s 100% expected that any story about Ezells will include someone chickensplaining it to everyone who absolutely did not ask in the first place.
- Blbl December 31, 2021 (10:43 pm)
  
  Chickensplaining! 🤣
- Errrn January 1, 2022 (10:32 am)
  
  Chickensplaining!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🏆🥂
- Cori roed January 1, 2022 (11:16 am)
  
  Chickensplaining is the best thing on the internet this morning. Thanks for the LOL
- Moose January 1, 2022 (9:30 pm)
  
  For such a benign comment I didn’t think it needed a “trigger” warning. My bad. Chickensplaning is funny though.

martin lee December 31, 2021 (3:41 pm)

Just had some, so amazing!! Welcome to West Seattle!!

Jcrow December 31, 2021 (4:42 pm)

I miss the old Tully’s in that spot. This is welcome news! Goodbye AT&T!

Taste December 31, 2021 (7:16 pm)

There should a blind taste contest for pizza, burgers and fried chicken.All $$$ goes to donation.

Lina January 1, 2022 (8:38 am)

I’m so psyched! Welcome to the neighborhood Ezells! I’m ready to throw down some $ there! So dangerously close to our house for easy and awesome dinners, you’ll be a frequent spot for us.