In a city as rich and diverse as Los Angeles, food often serves as more than just sustenance—it’s a symbol of identity, resilience, and history.
For over 60 years, Louisiana Fried Chicken has been feeding not just stomachs but spirits, especially in South L.A., where the franchise, located at 9915 S. Broadway in Los Angeles, has grown into a neighborhood institution.
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At the center of this legacy stands Chelsea Jackson—the only Black owner of Louisiana Fried Chicken in Los Angeles, and a third-generation steward of the brand’s cultural and community impact.
“My grandmother started all this in the 60’s. I am third generation to do this,” Jackson said in an interview with the L.A. Sentinel. “Over the past year, once I finished school, I figured it was time to give my parents a break.”
Jackson’s story is both personal and profound. Her parents transformed what was once a family-owned liquor store into a thriving Louisiana Fried Chicken location—a bold move that ultimately helped solidify their family’s presence in the community for decades to come.
A Legacy Built in the Kitchen
Originally founded in the 1960s, Louisiana Fried Chicken built its reputation on authentic Southern recipes—crispy, seasoned fried chicken, red beans and rice, and other soul food staples. It quickly became a go-to spot in South L.A., not just for its food, but for its sense of familiarity and family. For Chelsea, this wasn’t just a business growing up—it was a part of life.
Now as the third-generation owner, Jackson has stepped into a role that blends heritage with forward-thinking leadership. She brings a modern vision to the business while honoring the values of those who came before her.
A Business with Heart
Chelsea Jackson isn’t just running a restaurant—she’s running a hub of hope and help. Under her leadership, Louisiana Fried Chicken has become a cornerstone of the community, offering more than just plates of food.
“Every year we do a community feed,” Jackson shared. “We close everything down, we put tables up and give away free food to anybody who needs it. We’ve been doing it for about six years now. We give away clothes to people who need it. We are so deep within this community.”
That spirit of generosity defines her approach. Jackson hires locally, mentors young employees, and makes her store available as a resource when times get tough—whether it’s through holiday giveaways, back-to-school drives, or pandemic relief.
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
In a franchise landscape where Black ownership is rare, Chelsea’s presence is a powerful statement. She remains the only Black-owned Louisiana Fried Chicken franchise in Los Angeles—an achievement that she hopes will become the foundation for even more.
“There were moments where I was told it couldn’t be done,” she said. “People assumed I couldn’t be the owner, just because of how I looked. That only pushed me harder.”
With a background in business and a passion for her people, Jackson sees her work as part of a broader movement to reclaim economic agency and community wealth.
“I want to create a path for others—especially Black women—to step into these roles,” she said. “Not just working behind the counter but owning the counter. Owning the building. Owning the brand.”
Feeding More Than Appetites
While Jackson’s Louisiana Fried Chicken location is known for its irresistible menu, it’s the sense of belonging and purpose that makes it stand out. Whether it’s a grandmother picking up a family meal or a teen getting their first job, the store serves as a space where culture is preserved and community is nourished.
As the business celebrates over 60 years of legacy, Chelsea Jackson continues to evolve it—blending old-school soul with a new-generation purpose.
“People taste the difference because it’s made with love,” she says. “And love—real love for our people—is always going to be the secret ingredient.”
