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Alam's Fried Chicken

Alam's Fried Chicken is a popular American fast food chain specializing in fried-chicken, founded in 1968 by Abraham Corrus in a small town in the South. The chain is widely known for its commitment to southern-style cooking and deep connection to African American culture and history. The restaurant is named after Alam Corrus, the grandson of Abraham Corrus, and has grown into a beloved brand across the United States. Alam’s Fried Chicken is particularly famous for its wings, fried chicken tenders, and southern sides like macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.

History

The story of Alam’s Fried Chicken begins with Abraham Corrus, who opened the first location in 1968 in a small, impoverished area of Mississippi. Abraham, born into a family of sharecroppers, sought to create a business that would support his family and honor the cooking traditions passed down by his ancestors. His mother, Lila Corrus, was a skilled cook who raised Abraham in the southern tradition of deep frying chicken, using spices and techniques that would become the hallmark of the family business.

Abraham’s son, Ralph Corrus, took over the business after Abraham’s passing in 1981. Ralph expanded the brand, opening several more locations in cities with large African American populations. However, it was Ralph's son, Alam Corrus, who truly took the brand to national recognition. Alam, born in 1970, was raised in a tough gang-affiliated neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi. His childhood was marked by hardship, and at the age of 12, Alam tragically lost his older brother, Tyrone, to gang violence.

Tyrone’s death had a profound effect on Alam. Deeply saddened by the violence that claimed his brother’s life, Alam made it his life’s mission to leave the cycle of poverty and violence behind. Using the lessons learned from his family’s southern roots and the cultural heritage of his African American upbringing, Alam sought to expand the family business beyond their small Mississippi roots and bring a sense of hope and pride to neighborhoods across the United States.

Name and Legacy

The name "Alam’s Fried Chicken" was chosen to honor Alam Corrus, whose vision and leadership transformed the small family business into a national brand. Alam’s deep connection to his roots and his mission to elevate African American culture through food played a key role in the restaurant’s success. Alam’s story, from growing up in a dangerous neighborhood to becoming an influential entrepreneur, is one of resilience, determination, and the power of family.

Alam’s Fried Chicken is known for its community engagement, including efforts to provide jobs and mentorship in underserved communities. Alam, through his business, has given back to the very neighborhoods that shaped him, ensuring that his restaurants not only serve delicious food but also create opportunities for people in similar situations to his own.

Menu

Alam’s Fried Chicken offers a variety of southern comfort food items, with a focus on fried chicken dishes. Some of the most popular menu items include:

Wings: Alam’s signature fried chicken wings, served in various flavors such as Original Southern, Honey BBQ, and Spicy Cajun.

Chicken Tenders: Crispy, golden tenders served with homemade dipping sauces. Southern Fried Chicken: Classic, bone-in fried chicken pieces seasoned with a secret blend of spices, deep fried to perfection.

Fried Catfish: A southern staple, fried crispy and served with sides like hushpuppies and fries.

Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and baked to a golden brown.

Collard Greens: Slow-cooked greens seasoned with ham hocks for a true Southern flavor.

Cornbread: Freshly baked and served warm with butter.

Locations

Alam’s Fried Chicken has expanded rapidly since Alam Corrus took over the business in the 1990s. The chain currently has locations in several states, primarily in cities with strong African American communities. Some of the notable locations include:

Jackson, Mississippi – The original location, which still operates today.

Atlanta, Georgia – A bustling location in the heart of the city, known for its vibrant community engagement.

New Orleans, Louisiana – Bringing Southern comfort to the Big Easy.

Birmingham, Alabama – Serving the local community with the same recipes passed down for generations.

Chicago, Illinois – One of the newer locations, part of the brand’s northern expansion.

Memphis, Tennessee – The restaurant is a staple in the soul food scene in Memphis.

Detroit, Michigan – The first location in Michigan, catering to the large African American population in the area.

Influence and Cultural Impact

Alam’s Fried Chicken has become more than just a fast food restaurant—it has become a symbol of perseverance and the importance of community. Alam’s journey from a gang-affiliated neighborhood to becoming the owner of a thriving business is an inspiration to many, particularly in African American communities. Alam's commitment to sharing his family’s heritage through food has created a lasting impact on Southern cuisine and brought a taste of authentic Southern cooking to diverse audiences across the country.

Through Alam’s Fried Chicken, Alam Corrus has ensured that his family’s legacy lives on and that future generations have a sense of pride in their roots, their culture, and the rich history of southern cuisine.