Southern Cooking With Roots, Craft, And Heart
Barbara Ann's Southern Fried Chicken was built on generational recipes, a beloved food truck, and a simple belief that food made with genuine care can feel like home. This is that story.
Barbara Ann's Southern Fried Chicken | Our Story
The Woman Behind The Name
Head Chef and Founder Barbara Ann Johnson learned Southern cooking from her mother and grandmother, mastering recipes that have stood the test of time. As a Certified Master of Southern Cuisine, she blends family traditions with fresh ideas while staying true to the comforting flavors guests know and love. Every dish reflects her lifelong passion for sharing the feeling of home through food.
A Little Soul On The Go
Before there was a dining room, there was a food truck — rolling through Cumberland County with the tagline "A Little Soul on the Go" painted right on its side. Neighbors lined up, word spread, and a devoted following grew one crispy, golden order at a time.
Two Locations. One Southern Tradition.
Hope Mills will always be where our restaurant story began. In 2022, Barbara Ann opened our first brick-and-mortar after years of serving loyal guests from the family food truck. As more families discovered our Southern cooking, we proudly opened our second location on Gillespie Street in Fayetteville. Along with our signature fried chicken, we expanded our menu to include Southern fried seafood, giving guests even more homemade favorites to enjoy. No matter which location you visit, you'll find the same family recipes, warm hospitality, and dedication to quality that have defined Barbara Ann's from day one.
Still Family. Still From Scratch
Barbara Ann's Southern Fried Chicken remains proudly family-owned, with every meal still prepared from scratch. From our famous turkey barbecue and creamy mac and cheese to our red velvet waffles and crispy fried chicken, we're continuing the tradition that started around our family table. We've grown to two locations, but our mission has never changed—the table has simply grown a little bigger.
Fayetteville's Favorite Fried Chicken
We're honored to be named the 2025 Fayetteville Community's Choice Award Winner for Best Fried Chicken. This recognition reflects the trust and support of the community we proudly serve every day. Thank you for making Barbara Ann's Southern Fried Chicken part of your family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday meals.
Serving Our Community with Gratitude
We are honored that our guests have embraced our family's story and supported us every step of the way. Being named the 2025 Fayetteville Community's Choice Award Winner for Best Fried Chicken is a milestone we proudly share with everyone who has walked through our doors. Your support allows us to continue preserving our family's recipes, serving heartfelt Southern meals, and creating new memories around the table. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our family's tradition—one delicious plate at a time.