The A Q Chicken House of Springdale, Arkansas holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of generations of Northwest Arkansas residents. Known for its juicy fried chicken and downhome charm this Springdale staple was feeding families for over 75 years before temporarily closing its doors in 2023. But thanks to new local ownership, this Arkansas legend is set to make a triumphant return in 2025!
A Storied History
The A Q Chicken House first fired up its coals back in 1947 founded by Roy Siegfried. The “A Q” stands for “Arkansas Quality” a fitting name for this beloved eatery. Over the decades, A Q Chicken House became woven into the social fabric of Springdale. It was the go-to spot for family dinners, celebrations, and community gatherings.
At one point, A Q Chicken House even hosted a visit from former President Bill Clinton! This Arkansas native was one of the countless patrons drawn to A Q’s mouthwatering fried chicken and welcoming atmosphere over the years.
A Sad Goodbye
Early in 2023, after being open for more than 75 years, the A Q Chicken House suddenly said it was closing. Many people from Northwest Arkansas who grew up eating at A Q were shocked to hear this news. A lot of childhood memories and family traditions were linked to this simple chicken place.
The reason behind the closure reportedly had to do with the deteriorating condition of the original restaurant building on North Thompson Street in Springdale While the food and hospitality remained as excellent as ever, the physical structure just wasn’t viable anymore from a business perspective
When word got out that the store was closing, upset customers flooded social media with memories and condolences. It truly felt like the end of an era. But the story of this Arkansas legend doesn’t end here.
The Revival
Soon after the A Q Chicken House closed in early 2023, Tom and Robin Lundstrum, who live in Northwest Arkansas, quickly bought the beloved brand. They have been business owners in NWA for more than 35 years. The couple’s passion project is to save old businesses in the area.
“This has been a dream for a long time for him. He hates to see things that make Springdale, ‘Springdale’ go away,” said Robin Lundstrum of her husband Tom.
They worked with their daughter Gracie Lively and her husband Jacob to bring A Q Chicken House back to life. Gracie and Jacob just moved back to the area and are excited to help bring this NWA institution back to life.
In October 2023, the new owners proudly announced that the A Q Chicken House will be firing up its coals once again in 2025! Fans were ecstatic to hear the legendary eatery will rise from the ashes.
Preserving Tradition with a New Twist
The new owners plan to build a fresh, updated restaurant facility for A Q Chicken House while preserving the essence of what made it so beloved for generations. Based on customer feedback, they’ll bring back the original fried chicken, rolls, and fixings that made A Q legendary across Northwest Arkansas.
However, one aspect that won’t change is the dining experience itself. The Lundstrums aim to recreate the warm, welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that A Q Chicken House was known for. They want the revived restaurant to continue being a gathering place for families and friends.
“It’s not a cookie cutter place to go eat; it was unique and had real good homemade food,” noted Tom Lundstrum.
As they work on the revival, the new owners are inviting the public to share memories and suggestions to help guide the rebuilding process. They know how much this restaurant means to Northwest Arkansas, and want to ensure they get it right.
While the new A Q Chicken House facility will have a fresh, updated design, guests can count on seeing some nostalgic nods to the past. As a delightful throwback, the new restaurant will still have a toy chest for kids just like the original location!
Eagerly Awaiting the Comeback
With new local owners committed to honoring its legacy, it seems reports of A Q Chicken House’s demise were greatly exaggerated. The people of Northwest Arkansas can hardly wait for those flavorful fried chickens to start coming off the coals again in 2025!
For locals who grew up on A Q’s chicken dinners with sides like mashed potatoes and coleslaw, the revival promises the comfort of simpler times. The new owners have inherited a rich history and the trust of generations of customers eager to see this legend take flight once more.
So get ready Northwest Arkansas – a cherished community treasure is dusting off its flour and firing up the fryers. The A Q Chicken House’s triumphant comeback is nearly here. The unmatched flavor of juicy fried chicken tradition lives on!
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Residents remember AQ Chicken House before it’s doors close after 75 years
FAQ
Is Big Chicken in Springdale Arkansas closed?
Big Chicken has closed the Fayetteville location at 2190 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and the Springdale locations at 1120 Mathias Drive and 909 S. Thompson St. , according to signs that were placed on the restaurants last week.
Can you own chickens in Springdale, Arkansas?
c) The maximum number of hens on a single residential property shall not exceed six (6) laying hens. In the Town of Springdale, no one can keep hens without a permit that is in line with these rules. b) A Permit issued under these Regulations shall not be transferred.
What is the history of aq chicken house?
Roy Ritter opened AQ Chicken House — AQ stands for Arkansas Quality — on July 20, 1947, when chickens were raised and slaughtered behind the restaurant along a dusty dirt road known today as U. S. Highway 71.