Due to unforeseen issues with the restaurant's location on Sutherland, Gus's Fried Chicken won't make a Knoxville debut until later this year.
The Memphis-based chain had hoped to open on Sutherland in early 2016, but discovered the building is on a floodplain.
"We have truckloads of dirt coming in this next week," said Wendy McCrory, the company's owner. "It'll probably take us another four months."
McCrory said the Knoxville location of the chain will likely be up and running by August of this year, but it is too early to have an actual date.
"It's definitely a go, there's nothing keeping us from doing it, but [the delays are] unfortunate," said McCrory.
Gus's is often cited by foodies and critics as among the best in the South. Lately, the chain has seen huge expansion, opening up shop in places like Atlanta and Chicago, with another location in Detroit to open this June. In total, there are 14 franchises across the country open as of February, with still more on the way. The chain has even been featured on national television, with a segment on the Travel Channel.
