Dixie Chicken And Chicken Oil Company Push Through Pandemic Despite Setbacks

Among Aggieland’s timeless traditions like gameday and Ring Day, nothing could be better than a burger and cold beverage from two family-owned Bryan-College Station institutions — the Dixie Chicken and the Chicken Oil Company.

For more than 40 years, the two iconic honky-tonks have been favored hangouts for Aggie fans looking to grab a bite, a drink or even just play a game of pool or 42.

Recently sidelined by the COVID-19 lockdown, both restaurants shut their doors for the first time but left the kitchens open, re-focusing on to-go orders and helping locals stay well-fed while staying at home. Outside the area, people have been hitting their online store, purchasing T-shirts, hats and other merchandise to show support all across the country.

“Aggieland is such a special place. We’ve seen exactly what we expected through this time, and that’s people coming together and supporting local businesses,” said Adam Drake, director of marketing at the Dixie Chicken.

Doing their part as well, owners — and sisters — Jennifer Ganter and Katy Jackson have helped feed hospital staff, first-responders and businesses. As they recently reopened their dining rooms, they have continued to offer discounts for first-responders. Customers were ready for the restaurants to reopen — some waiting for an hour or longer just to get in.

Not long after reopening, another problem hit the beloved Dixie Chicken. After storms and torrential rains pounded College Station on May 27, the roof of the Dixie Chicken collapsed. Though no one was hurt (including the restaurant’s “Sneaky Snake”), repairs are needed. To help, visit the “Dixie Chicken Strong” page on GoFundMe.