By Colby Sharples-Terry

In southeast Kansas lies a culinary treasure cherished by locals and visitors alike: fried chicken. For decades, this corner of the state has been home to a thriving fried chicken scene, where crispy golden crusts and juicy interiors tell a story of community, competition and enduring tradition.

The origins of southeast Kansas’ fried chicken fame trace back to the early 1900s, centered in the coal-mining communities of Crawford County. It was here, in towns such as Pittsburg, Frontenac and Girard, that immigrants from southeastern Europe, known as the Balkans, settled. They brought with them recipes for hearty meals that would sustain workers after long days in the mines. Over time, these recipes evolved into the beloved fried chicken dinners that dominate the area today.

Two restaurants became the epicenter of what locals affectionately call the "Fried Chicken Wars": Chicken Annie’s and Chicken Mary’s, both located in Pittsburg, Kan. The rivalry began when two enterprising women, Annie Pichler and Mary Zerngast, started serving fried chicken dinners out of their homes.

CHICKEN ANNIE’S: When Annie Pichler’s husband was injured in a mining accident in 1933, she turned to serving fried chicken to make ends meet. Chicken Annie’s has been a Pittsburg, Kan., staple since.

Chicken Annie’s story started in 1933, when Pichler’s husband was injured in a mining accident. To make ends meet, Pichler began selling sandwiches to hungry miners. A year later, she decided to make use of the free-range chickens in her yard and started whipping up her fried chicken dinners.

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In 1941, Zerngast, inspired by similar circumstances, started her own fried chicken operation and used a similar name: Chicken Mary’s. Both establishments gained popularity, and before long, the culinary rivalry was born. The competition was never cutthroat; it was more of a playful battle that highlighted the pride and passion behind the recipes.

Both establishments serve crispy, well-seasoned chicken, but their subtle differences keep fans divided. Sides, too, play a pivotal role in the debate, with diners favoring distinct coleslaws, German potato salads and onion rings unique to each spot.

The fried chicken legacy of southeast Kansas doesn’t stop with these two iconic restaurants. Over the decades, other establishments entered the fray, offering their unique takes on the region’s signature dish. This includes Annie’s grandson, who married Mary’s granddaughter and went on to open their own chicken house, Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s, in Pittsburg in 1970.

CHICKEN MARY’S: In 1941, inspired by Annie Pichler’s business, Mary Zerngast opened “Chicken Mary’s” in Pittsburg, Kan. And a friendly fried chicken competition was born.

Barto’s Idle Hour in Frontenac is another beloved institution known for its tender chicken and supper club atmosphere. Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinners in Mulberry has been open since 1946, serving up legendary onion rings and massive chicken and noodles entrees. These restaurants, like Chicken Annie’s and Chicken Mary’s, serve more than just food — they offer an experience steeped in history and community. Generations of families have gathered around tables at these restaurants, celebrating milestones or simply enjoying a Sunday dinner.

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The fried chicken of southeast Kansas is more than just a meal; it’s a story of resilience, family and community. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, every bite tells a tale — a love story, seasoned and fried to perfection.

To see more things to do around southeast Kansas, head to travelks.com/places-to-visit/regions/southeast. 

Sharples-Terry is public relations and communications manager for Kansas Tourism. Kansas Tourism aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on the state and local communities. For more trip inspiration and to order a free Kansas Travel Guide, head to travelks.com.