News Summary
Columbia, SC, is experiencing a culinary boom centered around chicken tenders, highlighted by the 2025 Chicken Tender Tour. This event showcased both established and new restaurants over six days, attracting food enthusiasts to popular spots like Guthrie’s Chicken, Zaxby’s, and Slim Chickens. With the location’s rich food culture, locals savor diverse offerings while the demand for chicken tenders continues to grow, emphasizing the city’s vibrant food landscape.
Columbia – The city of Columbia is witnessing a culinary explosion focused on chicken tenders, as the popularity of this beloved comfort food continues to grow in the Midlands area. The recent 2025 Chicken Tender Tour showcased a vibrant scene for chicken tender enthusiasts, highlighting both established favorites and innovative newcomers over six consecutive days, with samples from six different restaurants.
Columbia, known as the seat of state government and home to South Carolina’s flagship university and Fort Jackson, has become a hotspot for food lovers. The city, alongside its surrounding Midlands area, features a booming business climate and a growing population, supported by abundant natural resources such as Lake Murray and picturesque rivers and streams. The rise of chicken tender restaurants in recent years aligns perfectly with this growth.
Highlights of the Tour
The tour kicked off with Guthrie’s Chicken, which opened its first South Carolina location on April 22, 2025, at 2404 Mineral Springs Road in Lexington. Founded in Haleyville, Alabama, in 1982, Guthrie’s claims the title of the first chicken finger-only restaurant. Their menu is centered around chicken fingers, fries, toast, slaw, and their signature sauce, featuring a thicker Texas toast compared to competitors.
Another prominent name on the tour was Zaxby’s, which boasts multiple locations throughout the Midlands. Known for its chicken fingers and signature Zax Sauce, the author sampled a four-piece chicken finger plate at the West Columbia location. Zaxby’s is a staple in the area, recognized for its commitment to quality and flavor.
Slim Chickens, established in 2003, is also rapidly gaining traction with over 200 locations. The Columbia site offers a diverse menu that includes chicken & waffles and mac & cheese alongside its chicken tender meals, all complemented by a sweeter Slim Sauce, catering to a variety of tastes.
The tour also featured Cocky Rooster, which opened its doors in March 2025 in the lively Five Points neighborhood. This restaurant stands out by providing various dipping sauces and freshly cooked chicken tenders, allowing customers to personalize their meals. Orders come with a selection of enticing dips, such as honey mustard BBQ and garlic Parmesan.
Dave’s Hot Chicken, which opened in 2023, is making waves with its provocative heat levels, aiming to become a national chain. On the tour, the author tried their extra hot chicken tenders, paired with pickles and Dave’s Sauce, showcasing a daring approach to flavor in an increasingly competitive market.
Last but not least, Cash’s Chicken in Chapin offers a unique twist on chicken tenders, featuring juicy chicken and crinkled fries, with a standout honey butter croissant that replaces the typical Texas toast. This local business brings creativity to the classic tender meal, appealing to those looking for something different.
The Growing Chicken Tender Scene
The 2025 Chicken Tender Tour emphasizes the rich diversity of dining options available to Columbia residents and visitors alike. With established franchises and newcomers alike contributing to the culinary landscape, chicken tender enthusiasts are spoiled for choice in the region. This growing popularity underscores a broader trend within the Midlands area, as the culinary scene continues to evolve and develop to meet the tastes and preferences of a diverse population.
As Columbia’s chicken tender market flourishes, the ongoing tour serves as a delicious reminder of how local establishments and chains can come together to create a vibrant food culture, appealing to a wide audience united by their love of this classic dish.
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Additional Resources
- The State: Chicken Tender Tour
- Wikipedia: Chicken tender
- ABC Columbia: McDonald’s McCrispy Strips
- Greenville Online: Dave’s Hot Chicken
- Charleston Business: Chicken Tender Franchise
