Fact checking the online rumor of the summer: that Grandy’s is returning to Wichita

All summer long, I’ve been receiving e-mails from people in Wichita who have heard the same rumor: that Grandy’s — the Nashville-based chicken chain that operated in Wichita until the late 1990s — is coming back to town.

I’ve seen it mentioned all over social media, too.

Sadly, the people in charge of the chain say it’s not true. However, if someone in Wichita wants to make it true, they’re happy to help.

“We do not have a restaurant opening in Wichita, KS at this time,” Kelly Weiss, Grandy’s director of marketing, wrote in an e-mail response to my inquiry. “Hopefully in the future.”

When pressed about how far away “the future” might be, Weiss responded, “We don’t have any plans currently however, if someone is interested in opening one we would be happy to help.”

The chain, known for its fried chicken, breakfast menu and cinnamon rolls, still has stores in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The closest Grandy’s restaurant to Wichita is in Oklahoma City.

Grandy’s pulled out of Wichita completely in 1999, when it closed its five Wichita stores, one of which was at 233 S. West St., where Hog Wild operates now.

Wichita has long desired a Grandy’s return, though. Someone even started a Bring Grandy’s Back to Wichita Facebook page, but it’s been inactive since 2014.

Oh, and if anyone wants to take Grandy’s up on its offer to help, here’s the link to information on franchising. Please do let us know what you decide.

This story was originally published July 16, 2018 at 5:17 PM.