40th Anniversary - Cowboy Chicken

Our founder, “Cowboy Phil” Sanders had a passion for old Western movies; he loved that the cowboys drew from nature and found happiness in the simple things. Phil decided he wanted a taste of this way of life, so he and his wife Jeanette set out to perfect wood fired chicken right in their backyard.

In 1981, they opened their first restaurant on Shady Brook and Park Lane in Dallas Texas, and Cowboy Chicken was born. This summer, we celebrate our 40th Anniversary with 17 locations throughout Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Georgia. We invite you to join us in celebrating our 40th Anniversary all summer long!

1981 the first Cowboy Chicken store opens on Shady Brooks and Park Lane in Dallas Texas

1981 the first Red Star Promotion premiers. Now called "Secret Star" we've brought this giveaway back for a limited time in honor of our Anniversary

1981 Twice baked potaters are added to our menu

1982 Famous ChickenEnchiladas are added to our menu

1993 Founder Phil opens the Preston and Summerside Road location, which is still in operation today!

2002 Sean Kennedy joins the Cowboy Chicken Team

2004 Mac and Cheese is added to our menu

2007 Cowboy Chicken wins "Best of Big D" by D Magazine Dallas

2012 Forbes chooses Cowboy Chicken as one of the "Hot Restaurant Chains to Buy into Now"

2016 Cowboy Chicken Rebrand is launched

2017 Cowboy Chicken is recognized as the "Emerging Chain of the Year" by Restaurant Business

2017 Foodable names Cowboy Chicken as one of its "Top 25 Most Loved Brands"

2020 Fast Casual magazine recognizes Cowboy Chicken as one of the "Top 100 Movers & Shakers" for the 10th consecutive year

2021 We celebrate 40 years of Cowboy Chicken!