You remember the line outside the Peachtree Street location. It didn’t matter if it was 2:00 PM on a Tuesday or 3:00 AM on a Saturday night after the clubs let out. The smell of frying oil and sweet batter hit you before you even reached the door. Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles wasn't just a restaurant; it was an Atlanta landmark, a cultural touchstone where you might see a local legend sitting in the next booth over from a tourist who just stepped off a plane.
But then, the doors closed. Not because people stopped liking the food—the "Midnight Train" was still a bestseller—but because of a messy, public, and honestly heartbreaking downward spiral involving family, taxes, and the law.
The Rise of a Soul Food Legend
Gladys Knight, the "Empress of Soul," didn't actually start the business to be a chef. In 1997, she partnered with her son, Shanga Hankerson, and fellow singer Ron Winans. The idea was simple: bring that Harlem-style late-night vibe to Atlanta. Specifically, Gladys took inspiration from the famous Wells Supper Club in New York, where jazz musicians would go when they were too late for dinner but too early for breakfast.
The menu was pure comfort. You had the "Midnight Train"—four jumbo wings and a waffle. There was "Uncle Ron’s" fish and grits. It was the kind of place where the mac and cheese was baked, the greens had just enough kick, and the peach butter was so good you'd want to buy it by the jar. For nearly two decades, it worked. The brand expanded to three locations: downtown Atlanta, Cascade Road, and Lithonia.
Why Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles Actually Failed
Most people think the restaurant just "went out of business" like any other struggling eatery. That’s not what happened. The food was still popular. The problem was what was happening behind the scenes with the money.
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In June 2016, the Georgia Department of Revenue raided all three locations. It was a scene straight out of a movie—agents hauling out files and computers while customers were still finishing their meals. Shanga Hankerson, Gladys’s son, was the sole owner and manager. He was accused of failing to remit over $1 million in sales and withholding taxes. Basically, the money that was supposed to go to the state was reportedly being diverted elsewhere.
The details that came out in the subsequent investigation were rough. There were allegations of "sex parties" and marijuana use funded by the business while employees went unpaid and the restaurants' infrastructure crumbled.
A Bitter Family Legal Battle
The saddest part? Gladys Knight had to sue her own son.
Because her name and likeness were the face of the brand, her reputation was taking a massive hit every time a headline mentioned a failed health inspection or a tax raid. In 2016, she filed a federal lawsuit to have her name removed from the business. She wanted her memorabilia back. She wanted her face off the menus. She basically told the court, "I have no control over this, and I don't want people thinking I do."
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Shanga fought it. At one point, his legal team even tried to claim Gladys wasn't "mentally competent" to make the decision, a move that felt particularly cold given she was the one whose fame built his platform. Eventually, they settled. By early 2017, the "Gladys Knight" name was officially gone, and the remaining spots were briefly renamed "World Famous Chicken & Waffles" before they shuttered for good.
The Legacy Left Behind
Today, the original locations are gone. The Peachtree Street spot eventually became a Krab Queenz. Shanga Hankerson was sentenced in 2021 to two years in prison and ordered to pay $1 million in restitution for his role in the tax scandals.
So, where does that leave the fans? People still talk about that chicken. It wasn't just "fried"—it was seasoned to the bone, crispy but not greasy. And the waffles had a specific density and sweetness that’s hard to replicate at home.
How to Get that "Midnight Train" Flavor Now
Since you can't go to the restaurant anymore, you’ve gotta get creative. If you’re trying to recreate the experience, keep these expert tips in mind:
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- The Buttermilk Soak: The secret to the chicken's tenderness was a long soak. Most copycat recipes suggest at least 8 hours in seasoned buttermilk (paprika, salt, and plenty of black pepper).
- Cornmeal is Key: For that specific waffle texture, don't just use flour. A mix of all-purpose flour and fine cornmeal gives it that signature "soul food" bite.
- The Peach Butter: Don't just use plain syrup. Whipped butter mixed with peach preserves and a hint of cinnamon is what set their waffles apart.
While the physical restaurants are a piece of Atlanta history, the "Midnight Train" survives in the kitchens of people who remember what it was like to sit in those booths. It’s a reminder that even the most iconic brands are fragile when the foundation isn't right.
Next Steps for Soul Food Enthusiasts
If you're looking for that authentic Atlanta chicken and waffles experience today, check out The Busy Bee Cafe or Old Lady Gang. Both offer that high-level soul food Gladys Knight's was known for, with deep roots in the city's culinary history. For those at home, start your chicken marinade tonight—24 hours in the fridge makes all the difference for the crust's flavor.