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NEW ORLEANS - Now in its sixth festival, the National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF) presented by Raising Cane’s attracted more than 123,000 attendees to the New Orleans Lakefront. This year’s event attracted over 69,232 attendees on Saturday, September 30, and 54,345 visitors on Sunday, October 1, 2023. The event brought together food enthusiasts, music lovers, and businesses from across the country in a flavorful fusion of culture and cuisine.
“Bringing people together through the love of food and culture, while supporting small and independently owned restaurants has always been at the heart of the National Fried Chicken Festival,” said Cleveland Spears, III, President and CEO of the Spears Group and FCF Executive Producer. "This year, our festival grew stronger with over 50 restaurants, making it a true testament to enthusiasm for our festival of chefs from across Louisiana and the country. We are incredibly grateful to our long-time sponsor, Raising Cane’s, and all our partners for assisting us in curating a guest experience like no other this year.”
One of the festival’s most highly anticipated moments was the announcement of the “Best Fried Chicken” and “Best Fried Chicken Dish” awards. Red Bird took home the coveted title of “Best Fried Chicken” for their outstanding dedication to crafting crispy, flavorful, and mouthwatering chicken that has delighted locals and visitors alike since opening in early 2023. Red Bird’s secret recipe and commitment to quality have truly earned them this prestigious accolade. Meanwhile, Bao Mi’s culinary innovation shone brightly as they secured the “Best Fried Chicken Dish” award. At the festival, Bao Mi served “KFC” bao, taco-like bundles of steamed bun filled with chicken. Their unique take on this classic comfort food left festival-goers clamoring for more. Bao Mi’s ability to infuse creativity and bold flavors into their fried chicken dish made them stand out as a culinary force to be reckoned with.
The festival honored Chef Jeff Henderson with the 2023 Culinary Icon Award. Henderson's inspiring culinary journey began in the most unlikely of places – behind bars. While serving a nearly 10-year prison sentence, he discovered his passion for cooking and transformed his life, later becoming the executive chef of the Bellagio and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. His life-changing journey of redemption and determination has been featured on notable platforms, including Oprah's Lifeclass, Good Morning America, Today Show, ABC World News Tonight, CNN, The Steve Harvey Show, and major publications such as The New York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, People Magazine, the Washington Post, and many more.
FCF is renowned for showcasing the city’s rich culinary heritage, and this year was no exception. FCF returned with its largest and most diverse food lineups to date, with returning New Orleans favorites and previous year’s award-winners, including Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, and nationally-renowned restaurants like Pollo from Kentucky, Stuff’d from Texas, and more. With 50+ participating restaurants, FCF 2023 featured diverse food offerings, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Additionally, FCF 2023 featured the Raising Cane’s Block Party, the debut of the HEINZ® “Food is Culture” Stage, which featured renowned celebrity chefs and culinary influencers, the inaugural Teacher’s Hospitality Lounge presented by Entergy, the Car Corral curated by Hot Cars TV and Drive New Orleans, nonprofit Community Corner, Merchant Marketplace presented by New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, the family zone presented by New Schools for New Orleans, two luxurious VIP lounges, including the Royalty lounge presented by Crown Royal and the Chicken and Bubbles Lounge presented by Chandon, and a host of other experiences over the fall weekend.
Rounding out the two-day celebration were headline musical acts, including Big Freedia, The Soul Rebels, Flow Tribe, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Shamarr Allen, and a special 50 Years of Hip Hop New Orleans performance presented by Chip Forstall featuring Mannie Fresh, DJ Jubilee, PNC, Raj Smoove, and more.
FCF 2023 is made possible thanks to the generous support of festival sponsors, including long-time presenting sponsor Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, HEINZ, Stella Artois, New Orleans Tourism and Culture Fund, AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Crown Royal, New Schools for New Orleans, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy, New Orleans & Company, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Cayman Jack, Chandon, The Law Offices of Chip Forstall, Louisiana Fish Fry, Louisiana Office of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, Coca-Cola, Luzianne, Outfront, iHeartMedia, Inc., WWL-TV, Where Y’at Magazine, WBOK 1230 AM, JP Morgan Chase & Co., New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, and Wells Fargo.
The National Fried Chicken Festival, Presented by Raising Cane’s, is produced by the Festivals for Good, a Louisiana-based 501c3 nonprofit with the mission of bringing diverse groups of people together to celebrate common interests, such as love for food while supporting small and diverse businesses.
For more information on FCF, visit friedchickenfestival.com.
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