You’ve probably seen the line of cars snaking around the corner at 8277 McGregor Crossing and wondered if a few pieces of fried poultry could really be worth the wait. In Olive Branch, food is a serious business. People here know their barbecue and their biscuits, so when a new chicken joint moves in, it faces a tough crowd. But Guthrie’s Chicken Olive Branch MS isn't just another fast-food spot trying to capitalize on the "chicken finger" craze.
Actually, it’s the opposite.
Most people walking into the Olive Branch location think Guthrie's is a copycat of Raising Cane’s or Zaxby’s. Honestly? That’s factually backward. Guthrie’s is the original pioneer. They were doing the "limited menu" thing back when the founders of those other chains were probably still in elementary school. When you eat here, you’re eating a piece of fast-food history that started in a small Alabama town in 1965.
The Real Story Behind the Olive Branch Location
The arrival of Guthrie's in Olive Branch wasn't an accident. It was a strategic move by the Burroughs Restaurant Group, led by Randy Washburn and Tyrone Burroughs. They noticed a weird trend: people from Olive Branch were consistently driving all the way to their Cordova location on Germantown Parkway just to get a "Gut Box."
That’s a long drive for a snack.
The Olive Branch store officially opened its doors in late 2023, tucked away in the Bridges of Camp Creek. It was only the second Guthrie's to hit Mississippi, following the Oxford location. It’s a 2,092-square-foot building designed for one thing: speed. They knew the Desoto County crowd wanted high-quality food without the thirty-minute sit-down wait.
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Why the Menu Is So Short (And Why That’s Good)
If you walk in expecting a 50-item menu with salads, wraps, and fifteen different side items, you're going to be disappointed. Or maybe relieved. Guthrie’s keeps it simple because they’ve spent decades perfecting exactly one thing.
The Original Box Combo is the heavy hitter. You get five chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, slaw, Texas toast, and that famous sauce. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, you go for the Big G Combo, which bumps you up to six fingers and a larger drink.
What’s actually in the box?
- The Chicken: These aren't those weird, spongey nuggets. They are actual tenderloins, marinated and breaded by hand. They tend to be a bit smaller than what you’d find at a grocery store deli, but the flavor is significantly more concentrated.
- The Sauce: This is the big secret. Legend has it that Hal Guthrie held a contest between his kids to see who could make the best sauce. His son Hud won, and that recipe hasn't changed since. It’s tangy, peppery, and slightly creamy.
- The Toast: It’s thick-cut Texas toast, buttered and grilled. It’s basically a delivery vehicle for more sauce.
- The Fries: Classic crinkle-cut. They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel here.
Guthrie's vs. The "Other" Guys
The most common debate at tables in Olive Branch is how this compares to the big "C" or the big "Z."
Let's be real. If you like heavily seasoned, peppery breading, you’re probably going to prefer Guthrie’s. Some local fans argue that the chicken here is juicier because the turnover is so high—nothing sits under a heat lamp for long. Others point out that the portions might feel slightly smaller than the competitors, but the price-to-quality ratio usually evens out.
Prices in Olive Branch have shifted a bit with inflation, as they have everywhere. Currently, a Sandwich Combo (three fingers on a bun with lettuce and sauce) will run you about $12.99, while the Family Meal—which is a massive 25-finger haul with all the fixings and a gallon of tea—sits around $65.99.
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The Logistics of Eating at 8277 McGregor Crossing
The parking lot is... an adventure. It’s a bit tight, especially during the Friday night rush or the Sunday lunch crowd after church lets out. If the drive-thru looks like a nightmare, the pro tip is to use the rear exit that drops you out toward the secondary roads rather than trying to pull back onto the main drag.
The hours are pretty standard for the area:
- Monday through Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The staff in Olive Branch has generally earned high marks for being "Mississippi nice," though, like any fast-food spot, they have their days when the lunch rush pushes the kitchen to the limit.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you want the best experience at Guthrie’s Chicken Olive Branch MS, don't just wing it.
First, check the sauce count. The combos usually come with one or two, but most people find they need an extra. It’s worth the extra few cents to buy a second cup up front so you aren't left with dry fries at the end.
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Second, if you’re feeding a group, the Bucket is almost always a better value than buying individual meals. A bucket gets you 25 fingers and six sauces for about $52.99. Add a large fry and a gallon of their "Southern Style" sweet tea (which uses that specific flaked ice people love), and you’ve fed a family of four for less than the cost of four separate combos.
Lastly, keep an eye on the online ordering apps. While delivery fees can be steep—sometimes $30+ for catering orders through ezCater—using the standard Uber Eats or Seamless apps for a quick pickup can save you from sitting in the McGregor Crossing traffic.
The next time you're craving fried chicken in Olive Branch, skip the generic chains for a day. Head over to the spot that actually invented the concept. Just make sure you have enough napkins; that sauce is no joke.
To make the most of your next trip, download the Guthrie's mobile app before you head out to check for any local "app-only" rewards or discounts that aren't posted on the drive-thru menu board.