Stroud’s, Kansas City’s iconic fried chicken restaurant, to open takeout-only outlet

Stroud’s, which has been serving up pan-fried chicken in Kansas City for decades, is opening a new location. But customers won’t be sticking around to eat their comfort foods.

Stroud’s Express will only offer curbside pickup, carryout or delivery, via a third-party service.

It will operate out of the SummitWoods Crossing shopping center, 1736 N.W. Chipman Road in Lee’s Summit. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit previously operated in the space.

Stroud’s signed a one-year lease to test the concept and is scheduling an October opening. No specific date has been set.

Customers placing orders during the first week will receive a $20 gift card to use on their next Stroud’s Express visit.

Bethany Neal, spokeswoman for Stroud’s, said the Overland Park restaurant has always done a high volume of takeout orders, and since the pandemic that has only increased.

The express location is smaller, so there will be less overhead and it will serve their Eastern Jackson County customers.

Menu items will include a three-piece chicken dinner for $16.95, or chicken fried steak for $18.95. The dinners come with salad or chicken noodle soup, choice of potatoes, gravy, green beans and cinnamon rolls.

It also will have family meals, including a Chicken Bite Family Meal and Pan-Fried Chicken Combo Box.

Customers will be encouraged to order in advance.

Hours will be 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Guy and Helen Stroud started Stroud’s as a barbecue restaurant in 1933. During World War II, when beef was being rationed, she served pan-fried chicken and the comfort dish was an immediate hit.

Stroud’s currently has locations in the Northland, Overland Park and Wichita.

This story was originally published September 22, 2020 at 5:00 AM.