For over 20 years, Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken has been a pillar of Memphis culture, serving up unforgettable food, community pride, and a powerful legacy rooted in family. At the center of it all is Lou Martin, a man whose devotion to tradition and resilience turned a family recipe into a global sensation.
“It’s my great-grandmother’s recipe,” Lou shares. “I remember watching my mom cook in the kitchen when I was a kid. It was always good.” His mother passed down the legacy, not revealing every secret, but giving him just enough to carry it forward. Kept alive through oral tradition, one family’s fried chicken has become a staple in Mid-South cuisine.
A national spotlight and global fame
The big break came when Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives host, Guy Fieri, visited the restaurant in 2008. “It was life-changing,” Lou reflects. “I had done local media before, which helped, but I thought the buzz would last just a few months. We’ve been lucky enough to stay in the re-runs – and now we’ve even done his new show, Triple D Nation, which aired in April 2025.”
Uncle Lou’s has since become a must-visit stop for tourists and foodies across the globe, shining a positive light on Memphis. “I never saw myself as a landmark,” he admits. “But when customers started putting me in the same sentence as Jim Neely, I knew I was doing something right. That’s an honor.”
A new chapter on Winchester Road
After two decades in its original spot, Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken moved to a new location just a quarter mile away on Winchester Road, marking a new chapter in its iconic journey.
The restaurant’s new space also holds a heartfelt tribute to Lou’s late daughter, Daphne, who passed away in 2024 shortly after the opening. A sunlit nook known as “Daphne’s Area” is decorated in her favorite color, pink, and surrounded by greenery, serving as a peaceful and personal cornerstone of the space. It’s a reminder that Uncle Lou’s isn’t just about great food – it’s about family, memories, and resilience.
Empowering entrepreneurs
Through EDGE’s Small Business Loan program, Lou was able to invest in upgrades that helped him realize a longtime vision for his business – owning a more visible, functional space. “I had heard about the loan, but didn’t think much of it at first,” Lou recalls. After asking around, he connected with Trey Moore, EDGE’s small business specialist. “Trey went above and beyond. I didn’t fully understand everything at first, but he was patient and didn’t overpromise. I appreciated that. Nothing was hidden.”
With its Entrepreneurship City initiative, recently launched with the City of Memphis, EDGE and its partners aim to empower local businesses owners, spark job creation, and build a strong network of community-minded leaders. EDGE is proud to stand alongside entrepreneurs like Lou, building a Memphis where every small business has the chance to grow and thrive.
Lou himself knows entrepreneurship is a gamble. “I’m still afraid,” he confesses. “Fear motivates me. The fear of not having anything. The fear of going back to where I was 30 years ago. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.” He adds, “If you’re not afraid, you’re probably comfortable. And if you’re comfortable, hopefully you’ve sold and retired.”
Lou offers a piece of advice for those who are getting their start: “Let fear motivate you. In the beginning, I didn’t have a plan – I had determination.” His story reminds us that sometimes the most remarkable journeys start with a single spark and a whole lot of grit.
From family recipes to global recognition, Uncle Lou’s journey shows what’s possible with vision, courage, and the right support. If you’re a small business owner with big dreams, explore how EDGE’s Small Business Loan Program could help bring your vision to life.