The Truth About Fast Food Chicken vs. Ezell's Famous Chicken

In the world of fast-food fried chicken, many restaurants rely on manufactured, frozen ingredients shipped in bulk to every location. Their chicken often arrives frozen, only to be dropped in a fryer, while their mashed potatoes usually come from a box, rehydrated, and mixed just before serving. This assembly-line approach may be convenient, but it often lacks the flavor, texture, and freshness of a truly homemade meal.

As the art director, alongside photographer Ingrid Pape-Sheldon, I saw firsthand that Ezell’s Famous Chicken takes a different approach—crafting every meal from scratch! At Ezell’s, chicken is hand-breaded and seasoned in-store, creating that unforgettable crunch and flavor. Sides like mashed potatoes are made fresh daily—not from a box, but with real potatoes. Ezell’s is dedicated to giving customers the true taste of home cooking, whether enjoyed in the restaurant or taken to go.

While working with Ezell's, we got a refresher on some timeless wisdom that we hold dear as a principle in our work:  A little extra time and care can make all the difference!

Check out featured photos on Ezell’s Famous Chicken’s website!

Photography by: Ingrid Pape-Sheldon

Art Direction by: Bettina Carey