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Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Original Chicken ’n Ribs has remained a staple on the city’s historic west side for more than 70 years. Best known for its signature “Hustlin’ Hen” fried chicken and beef ribs, the restaurant has become a multigenerational gathering place deeply connected to the surrounding community and its history.
Today, the business is led by third-generation Owner Jermaine Blackmon, who continues to build on the foundation established by her family in 1952.
Blackmon explained that one of the most defining challenges the business faced came during segregation, when Black-owned businesses had limited opportunities and safe operating spaces were difficult to secure:
“One of the biggest challenges our business has faced has changed across generations,” explained Blackmon. “In the 1950s, the challenge was simply finding a safe place for a Black family to own and operate a business during segregation.”
That history helped establish Original Chicken ’n Ribs as more than just a restaurant. The business earned recognition in the Negro Motorist Green Book as a trusted stop for Black travelers during a time when discrimination restricted access to lodging, dining, and public accommodations across the country.
We’ve learned that success is built over time through trust and community support.Jermaine Blackmon, Owner of Original Chicken 'n Ribs
While the business has endured for decades, Blackmon said modern challenges center around changing perceptions of Charlotte’s west side and the Beatties Ford corridor:
“We continue to work against stereotypes attached to the Beatties Ford corridor and Charlotte’s west side,” Blackmon said. “We’ve had to fight that narrative by staying committed to our community, improving our property, creating a welcoming environment, and continuing to serve generations of families with consistency and pride.”
For Blackmon, long-term success comes down to remaining committed to both quality and purpose, even during periods of slow growth or adversity:
“Stay faithful to your business and stay committed to your purpose,” added Blackmon. “We’ve learned that success is built over time through trust and community support.”
Over the decades, the restaurant has learned that resilience and authenticity matter just as much as the food itself. According to Blackmon, maintaining strong community relationships has allowed the business to survive economic shifts, urban development, and changing trends while continuing to attract loyal customers across generations.
Today, Original Chicken ’n Ribs continues to serve as both a neighborhood institution and a symbol of longevity on Charlotte’s west side—preserving its family legacy while remaining deeply connected to the community that helped sustain it for more than seven decades.
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