About JJ Fish & Chicken
From a Small Chicago Shop to a National Favorite
Our Story
On March 8, 1982, James J. Green set out in pursuit of the American dream. With passion, determination, and a simple idea, he opened the very first JJ Fish restaurant on Martin Luther King Drive in Chicago, Illinois.
What started as a small neighborhood shop quickly became something special.
Green served only the freshest fish—prepared with care—and offered a unique twist: for just $1, customers could have their fish fried in his now-famous "secret" batter. That irresistible flavor, combined with his commitment to quality and community, turned first-time visitors into lifelong customers.
In less than 20 years, that single storefront grew into over 130 locations, making JJ Fish & Chicken a beloved name known for bold flavor, generous portions, and authentic taste.
Our Food
At JJ Fish & Chicken, we believe great food starts with fresh ingredients, real flavor, and consistency you can count on. Every meal is cooked with care, seasoned with tradition, and served with the kind of quality that keeps our customers coming back.
Fresh, Crispy Seafood — Our Signature
From catfish and perch to whiting, tilapia, and shrimp, our seafood is made fresh, fried golden, and always delicious. It's the flavor that built our name and the taste our customers crave week after week.
Wings & Chicken That Hit Every Time
Whole wings, legs, breast, tenders, and nuggets — all crispy, juicy, and cooked to order. Seasoned with signature seasoning, our chicken delivers that unmistakable JJ crunch.
Sides You Can't Skip
Fries, hush puppies, okra, mushrooms, mac bites, and iconic desserts — our sides are the perfect add-on to any meal. They're the finishing touch that turns a good plate into a great one.
Our Promise
From day one, our mission has remained the same:
Serve fresh, flavorful food that keeps people coming back.
Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or feeding the whole family, JJ Fish & Chicken delivers the taste, quality, and value you can trust.