“Frenchy’s /Boudin in the parking lot” so goes a bar from Beyoncé’s 2013 track Bow Down/I Been On – a not so subtle reference to her favorite Houston chicken joint. The Beyhive is abuzz in Houston for the return of Beyoncé Knowles. Ahead of Queen B’s concerts at NRG Stadium in Houston this June, we’re taking a look at one of her favorite Houston restaurants: Frenchy’s Chicken.
Frenchy’s Origins
Frenchy’s Chicken originally opened on Scott Street in Houston’s Third Ward in 1969. Created by New Orleans-native Percy Creuzot Jr. (nickname “Frenchy”) and wife, Sallie, the restaurant’s original conception was that of a po-boy shop under the banner “Frenchy’s Po-Boy”.
In the coming years, Frenchy’s would gradually add to their menu with New Orleans-style sno-balls, then later fried chicken. The latter was an instant hit. Percy’s signature-seasoned chicken, inspired by family New Orleans recipes, was such as a success that the restaurant would change its name to “Frenchy’s Creole-Fried Chicken”.
True to Percy’s Creole roots, Percy incorporated traditional sides including the likes of collard greens, dirty rice, and red beans.
Following the passing of Percy Creuzot Jr. in 2010, the Frenchy’s original location on Scott Street shuttered in 2019 amid an expansion of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church; however, community demand prompted a reopening. In 2022, Frenchy’s moved into a larger, state-of-the-art facility at 3602 Scott Street.
Today, Frenchy’s now has 10 locations in the Houston area, and is still family owned while using its signature recipes and fresh, never-frozen chicken.
Beyoncé’s Love Of Frenchy’s
Over the years, Beyoncé has endorsed Frenchy’s on numerous occasions. Most recently, to public knowledge, Beyoncé put a spotlight on the fried chicken institution in October 2024, in which Frenchy’s uploaded a photo of Beyonce eating a drumstick with the caption: “iconic”.
Beyoncé also gave Frenchy’s the big screen treatment in 2023 for her Renaissance Tour documentary, where she is shown dining down on Frency’s chicken biscuits and mashed potatoes.
In 2017, while in town aiding with Hurricane Harvey relief. Knowles and mother, Tina Lawson, visited the original Frenchy’s location where Beyonce had the following to say: “they have the best french fries in the world… I was so full I couldn’t do anything but go to sleep”.
What began as a pioneering black-owned restaurant in Houston’s Third Ward continues as a beloved family-owned institution. Will Beyoncé make a stop at Frenchy’s while in Houston this week? While we can’t say for sure, it’s not like her to not.