More Stroud’s fried chicken: Larger Johnson County restaurant and a new Missouri spot

Kansas City’s iconic pan-fried chicken restaurant Stroud’s is expanding.

It is adding a full-service restaurant to its Stroud’s Express in Mission, while looking for a spot for a full-service restaurant and express operation in Lee’s Summit.

Stroud’s Express in the Mission Mart Shopping Center, 5405 Johnson Drive, opened in May for curbside, carryout or delivery via a third-party service only. It temporarily shut down a couple of weeks ago and will expand with a full-service restaurant next door, scheduled to open in March.

The company’s first express operation opened in SummitWoods in Lee’s Summit in November 2020. But it just had a one-year lease so it closed in mid-2021.

The company has been looking for a Lee’s Summit spot large enough for a full-service restaurant and express operation. It hopes to open in Lee’s Summit this year.

Stroud’s is known for its pan-fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and cinnamon rolls. It dates to 1933, when Guy and Helen Stroud opened a barbecue restaurant near 85th Street and Troost. During World War II, when beef was rationed, Helen whipped up some fried chicken and it became a bestseller.

This story was originally published February 17, 2022 at 5:00 AM.