In January 2021, the first Arizona location of the self-described Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken opened in downtown Mesa.

Soon, it's Phoenix's turn to get a taste.

Earlier this month, downtown Phoenix concert venue The Van Buren announced the return of live music on June 4. By the end of July, noshing on buttermilk fried chicken and deep-fried pickles before catching a show might make the perfect evening.

The new location of Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is set to open on the southeast corner of Van Buren Street and Fourth Avenue, next door to the music venue.

John Maietta, the general manager at the Mesa location of Gus's plans to move over to the Phoenix restaurant when it opens. He says the downtown Phoenix location is tentatively scheduled to open in the third week of July.

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What is Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken?

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken originated in 1973, 40 miles east of Memphis in Mason, Tennessee. Gradually, one restaurant became multiple and now the company includes more than 30 locations.

The menu features multiple varieties of Memphis-style fried chicken. Customers can choose between white meat chicken breast and wings or dark meat thighs and legs. An Arizona Republic contributor was particularly fond of the spicy chicken options. Chicken is sold by the piece or in meals that come with baked beans, slaw and white bread.

Side options include potato salad, fried okra, coleslaw, fries, mac and cheese, and more. Deserts include whole or slices of pecan, chess, chocolate chess, sweet potato or coconut pie.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Open now: 212 W. Main St., Mesa. 480-590-0404, gusfriedchicken.com.

Coming soon: 345 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix.

Reach the reporter at tirion.morris@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @tirionmorris, on Facebook at Tirion Rose and on Instagram at tirionrose.

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