Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken is coming to East Ridge.
City officials and Champy’s owners, Seth and Crissy Champion, announced on Friday that the new store, the third in the greater Chattanooga area, will be built at 6515 Ringgold Road; the former location of a Shoney’s and most recently a fireworks business.
“We’re really excited to be coming to East Ridge,” Seth Champion said as he stretched out a line to hang a sign near the street announcing the new location. “There’s a lot going on and we want to be a part of the positive growth.
“The city officials have been top notch in discussing the potential for a Champy’s in East Ridge and I consider it an honor to be a part of the East Ridge community.”
Crissy Champion said she and Seth will raze the old structure and build the “Taj Mahal of Champy’s” on the new site. Crissy said surveys are currently being conducted on the property prior to an architect designing the new building.
Crissy said there will be two patios for outdoor dining, one on each end of the building. According to a press release issued by the city, the new store will seat up to 250 patrons.
“I am extremely excited to welcome a new Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken restaurant to East Ridge,” said Mayor Brian Williams. “This is what our citizens have been asking for – more restaurant choices and this topnotch, full-service restaurant falls into that category.”
The announcement of the new Champy’s comes on the heels of the announcement that Chattanooga Red Wolves owner Bob Martino intends to invest $125 million in a new soccer stadium and mixed-use development less than a mile away. City officials said that recent business development is further confirmation of the economic benefits available to businesses as a result of the Border Region District.
“I have been city manager for almost seven weeks and I am amazed at the continued interest by various businesses in looking to expand into East Ridge,” said City Manager Chris Dorsey. “
Champy’s fresh homemade meals and friendly atmosphere have created a large following in the area. Champy’s has locations on Martin Luther King Boulevard and on Lee Highway. In addition to chicken, the restaurant serves Mississippi Delta Hot Tamales and farm-raised Delta catfish. Champy’s also offers New Orleans’ style cuisine like fresh boiled crawfish, red beans, and gumbo.
According to the city press release, the new Champy’s is expected to open in the Spring of 2020. The restaurant will create 80 jobs.
