Rex’s Chicken Ready to Expand in Greater Tulsa
By EMILY RAMSEY
Managing Editor
WELL-LOVED CHICKEN: Due to naming and franchise rights, Rex’s Chicken disappeared from the restaurant scene for about 10 years until it resurfaced three years ago at 11089 South Memorial Drive. Two local business partners obtained the company’s franchise rights in Oklahoma and surrounding states and plan to expand the chain throughout Tulsa and beyond.
EMILY RAMSEY for GTR Newspapers
There are, surely, many people with fond memories of eating with their families at Rex’s Chicken. The company began in 1951 and was a Tulsa staple for many years. However, some may have noticed the disappearance of the chicken restaurant for about 10 years.
Yet, after a local company gained the rights to the restaurant’s name and menu, including its secret marinade, Rex’s Chicken resurfaced, this time at 11089 South Memorial Drive.
That happened three years ago, when two business partners, who hold Rex’s franchise rights in Oklahoma and seven surrounding states, decided to reenter the market. Over those three years, Rex’s has gained a following, including many of its loyal customers from years earlier.
“We’re lucky that Rex’s had a very faithful customer base,” says one of the partners. “There are many loyal customers willing to drive the distance to come here.”
Now that the Rex’s name has been reestablished, the partners feel the timing is right to move onto their next step. They have begun to scout locations throughout Tulsa, including in South Tulsa, along U.S. Highway 75 and in Midtown, plus in surrounding cities including Broken Arrow, Owasso and Sand Springs.
They also recently signed a deal with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, giving the Indian nation exclusive franchising rights in their 11 counties.
Although a number of chicken restaurants can be found in greater Tulsa, the Rex’s business partners feel confident that the chain’s more-than-60-year history and unique menu offerings will continue to set it apart from the competition.
The chicken served at Rex’s is made to order, with no flash freezing of pre-breaded chicken. Customers can choose from the original Rex’s breaded chicken or the jalapeno version as well as grilled chicken bites—a recent menu addition. Wraps and salads are also available.
Menu items come with a choice of the traditional side orders: ranch beans, coleslaw, green beans, corn on the cob, fried okra, and homemade onion rings and potato chips.
Updated 12-16-2013
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