Youngblood’s Fried Chicken was founded by J. T. Youngblood, a poultry farmer from Waco, Texas. Youngblood opened his first restaurant in Waco in 1940, and soon expanded to other cities in Texas. By the 1960s, Youngblood’s had over 30 locations throughout the state.
The Menu

Youngblood’s fried chicken was known for its crispy batter and juicy meat. The chain also offered a variety of other dishes, including fried fish, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Youngblood’s was a popular destination for families and friends, and the restaurants were often crowded on weekends.
Competition in Texas
These were the days before KFC, Church’s, and Popeye’s. In Texas, Youngblood’s competitors were Leslie’s Chicken Shack and in Houston, Bill Williams Chicken House. In fact, There was a Youngblood’s in Houston on the same street, just a few blocks down, from Bill Williams.
Here is a comparison of the three restaurants:
Youngblood’s Fried Chicken
Fresh, never-frozen chicken
Fried in peanut oil
Cooked to perfection
Juicy and flavorful
Most popular fried chicken restaurant in Texas in the 1960s and 1970s
Bill Williams Chicken House
Special recipe
Fried in vegetable oil
Juicy and flavorful
Popular fried chicken restaurant in Houston
Leslie’s Chicken Shack
Special recipe
Fried in vegetable oil
Juicy and flavorful
Popular fried chicken restaurant in Waco
Changes then Closure
The chain was owned by J.T. Youngblood and his family until 1969, when it was sold to a group of investors. The investors expanded the chain to other states, including Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. However, the chain struggled financially in the 1970s, and it closed its last restaurant in 1979.
All of this intrastate rivalry didn’t matter in the long run. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Church’s, and Popeye’s were some of the national fast food chains that spelled doom to the Texas trio. People opted for a faster and cheaper meal. It is always a matter of debate as to which chicken tasted the best.
- Year Started: 1940
- Year Ended: 1979
- Origin Of Name: Name of Founder / Descriptive
- Location Sales: Texas
- Brand Name Predecessor: N/A
- Brand Name Successor: N/A
- Owner Original: J. T. Youngblood
- Owner While In Use: J. T. Youngblood etc.
- Owner Successor: N/A
- Year Resurrected: N/A
- What’s Popular Today: KFC
- Naics Code: 722511
- Location Headquarters: Waco, Texas USA
Leave a Comment