You’ve seen the bright yellow signs. If you live anywhere near Middle Georgia, that distinctive "Big Chic" logo is basically a landmark. But the Big Chic Roberta GA location? That’s something else entirely. It’s the kind of place where the screen door probably should have been replaced five years ago, but nobody cares because the smell of frying oil and lemon pepper is just too good.
Honestly, it's easy to drive right past Roberta if you’re heading down Highway 80 or 42. It’s a small town. The kind where everyone knows whose truck is parked out front. But for the people who live here—and the hunters passing through during deer season—Big Chic is the sun that the town orbits around.
The Secret Sauce (Literally) of Big Chic Roberta GA
Most people don't realize Big Chic is a franchise, but not in the way McDonald's is. It’s more of a loose collection of family-owned spots that all use a patented marination and breading recipe that dates back to 1971. That’s over 50 years of keeping the exact same crunch.
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The Roberta location, specifically found at 191 S Dugger Ave, has a menu that feels like a fever dream of Southern comfort. You want a chicken sandwich? Sure. You want a fried gizzard dinner? They’ve got you. They even do catfish and "scrambled burgers," which are a weirdly specific Georgia delicacy that most outsiders look at with total confusion until they take a bite.
What to actually order
If it’s your first time pulling into the gravel lot, don't overthink it.
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- The Chic Fillet Sandwich: Look, it’s not the "other" place with the red logo. This one is 6 ounces of heavy, hand-breaded chicken that usually overhangs the bun by an inch.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: These are arguably the best thing on the menu. They don't skimp on the dusting. You will be licking your fingers for twenty minutes afterward.
- The "Little Chic": This is for when you’re not that hungry but you need a fix. It's basically a slider, but better.
- The Spuds: They do these massive baked potatoes (or "Spuds") loaded with butter, cheese, and often fried chicken. It is a terrifying amount of calories. It is also glorious.
Why it’s not just another fast food joint
There’s a specific vibe at Big Chic Roberta GA that you won't find at a corporate chain in Atlanta. Under the management of folks like the Buice family over the years, it has maintained a reputation for being the place where you get "home-cooked" style food without having to actually wash any dishes.
Prices have gone up everywhere lately. We all feel it. A "Chic Fillet Combo" that used to be a steal is now pushing closer to ten dollars, but the portions still feel like they were served by a grandmother who thinks you look too thin.
"It really is nice that the owner is responsive and trying to make sure the service and food is up to good standards. I will be back to this Big Chic!" — Cheryl White, local reviewer.
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The service can be... interesting. Some days you get the friendliest greeting in Crawford County. Other days, the staff looks like they’ve been fighting a losing battle against a 500-order lunch rush and they just want to go home. That’s the reality of a small-town business. It’s human.
Knowing the hours (Don't get stranded)
Nothing hurts worse than craving a gallon of sweet tea and finding the lights off. Big Chic Roberta GA typically runs from 10:30 AM to 8:00 or 9:00 PM most days, but they are strictly closed on Sundays. This is the South, after all. If you want chicken on a Sunday, you’re basically out of luck across the board.
The local impact and the "Big Chicken" confusion
Sometimes tourists get confused and think this is the "Big Chicken" from Marietta with the moving beak. It’s not. That’s a KFC. Big Chic is a homegrown Georgia staple that started in Manchester and spread like wildfire because people realized they liked the breading better than the Colonel’s.
In Roberta, the restaurant serves as more than just a place to grab a box of dark meat. It’s the local employer for high school kids getting their first job. It’s the place that provides the catering for the church social or the Friday night football game. When people talk about "supporting local," this is exactly what they mean.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Call Ahead: The drive-thru line can get backed up into the street during the lunch hour (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM). If you're in a hurry, call 478-836-5879 and place your order before you even leave the house.
- Check the Daily Specials: They often have wing specials or "snack" deals that aren't always prominently displayed on the main board. Ask what the special of the day is.
- The Sweet Tea Rule: If you aren't from Georgia, be warned. The tea is sweet. Like, "melt your teeth" sweet. If you aren't ready for that, ask for half-and-half or just get a Coke.
- Parking: The lot is a bit tight. If it looks full, there’s usually some overflow space nearby, but be respectful of the neighboring businesses.
Basically, if you’re looking for a sterile, corporate experience with perfectly scripted "my pleasure" responses, go somewhere else. But if you want a massive piece of fried chicken that’s been marinated in a recipe older than most of the people working there, Big Chic Roberta GA is the spot. It's greasy, it's loud, and it's exactly what a Georgia roadside diner should be.
Stop by the 191 S Dugger Ave location next time you're cutting through Roberta. Grab a 12-piece family bucket and a gallon of tea. You'll understand why this place has outlasted almost every other business in the area. It's not about being fancy; it's about being consistent. And in a world that changes every five seconds, a consistent piece of fried chicken is worth its weight in gold.