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.
Our menu is crafted to satisfy every craving, featuring:
- Crispy fried chicken wings
- Tender, juicy chicken tenders
- Fresh, golden-fried catfish
- Flavorful fish fillets
- Jumbo shrimp fried to perfection
And that's just the beginning.
We also serve:
- Mouthwatering fish and chicken sandwiches
- Signature fried favorites made fresh to order
Sides, Sweets & More
No meal is complete without the perfect sides. That's why we offer a full lineup of delicious additions:
- Seasoned fries
- Creamy coleslaw
- Crispy hush puppies
- Onion rings
- Fried okra
- Cheese sticks
And to top it all off:
- Homemade-style banana pudding
- A variety of rich, satisfying cakes
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.