Welcome to The Chicken Inn
The story continues…
To the generations of families who have shared a meal at our tables.
1940s
The Chicken and Steak Inn opens
First opened near the end of WWII at 1137 E Michigan Road by the Kremer and Zinser families.
1950s–60s
Part of the cruising route
Teens circled the square, headed out Broadway to the Root Beer Barrel, and finished the night at the Chicken Inn.
1969
One of 23
The Inn was one of just 23 eating establishments in the Shelbyville vicinity. It later passed to two descendants, with Martin Zinser purchasing the restaurant and renaming it The Chicken Inn.
2004
The Hardin years
Rosalie and Dave Hardin purchased the Chicken Inn and ran it as a family friendly, family run business for 17 years — many employees were family, and those who weren't became extended family.
2004–2021
New classics
The Hardins acquired the original home-cooked recipe books and kept the Pressure-Fried Chicken going, while adding fried biscuits with homemade apple butter, sweet potato fries, more homemade soups, the glazed pecan chicken salad, and a long list of homemade desserts.
2021
The story continues
Kent Hankins and Bill Aughe purchased the Chicken Inn and hold on to as many of the great traditions and recipes as possible — the famous Pressure-Fried Chicken, the weekday specials, the walleye, and the homemade soups and desserts.
Still a family operation
The team today includes some of the original Hardin family, new family members who have joined along the way, and plenty of extended family — and Rosalie still stops in from time to time with her impressive desserts.
We don't plan on many changes, but you may see new things to try: additional soups, daily specials, vegetables of the day, and desserts.
Come on in and taste the memories.
Save a seat at the table
541 E Hendricks St, Shelbyville, IN 46176 · (317) 392-6088 · Walk-ins welcome