When it comes to Louisiana fried chicken, the locals will point you in the direction of something other than the national chain. Delpit’s Chicken Shack in Baton Rouge is a community staple, and just cemented their legacy as the oldest restaurant in the capitol city.

Thomas Delpit opened the chicken shack in 1935 initially as “Suburban Ice Cream Parlor.” The creamery only lasted two years before Delpit turned it into the hot spot Baton Rouge knows and loves today.

The establishment has passed through the Delpit family since then, including local legend Joseph Delpit. Joseph took over in 1959, and became the first black councilman in Baton Rouge, later serving as state representative. Joseph made sure the Chicken Shack stayed true to the community, offering meals for families in need, no questions asked.

Fast forward the Chicken Shack is in good hands under Thomas H Delpit and Joseph Delpit, the respective grandson and great-grandson of the late founder. As the Baton Rouge staple makes their way to 100 years, be sure to stop by and see what’s kept them in the business for so long.