Original Chicken ‘n Ribs provides seafood, slaw, a safe haven and more for seven decades

By Philip Freeman

Updated July 14, 2025 11:24 AM

Charlotte’s Classic Eats

As new restaurants open every day in Charlotte, it’s easy to forget about the old standbys, the places that have grown up alongside the Queen City. Our Charlotte’s Classic Eats series highlights the places that you have frequented for years, reminding us why they have stood the test of time.

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“Come on in. How are you doing? You see that Carolina game last night?” Jermaine Blackmon greets each of his customers as they enter Original Chicken ‘n Ribs on a brisk Tuesday morning. Hospitality runs deep in his blood, his grandfather having opened the restaurant in 1952.

“We still serve many of the same staples that my grandfather, Otis Blackmon Sr., offered when he opened this place,” Blackmon told CharlotteFive.

More than 70 years later, fried chicken, seafood and burgers are still among the most popular dishes at the restaurant on the corner of Beatties Ford Road and Oaklawn Avenue.

“People think we’re a barbecue place,” Blackmon said. “We’re not.” Although the carryout-only restaurant serves pulled pork, beef ribs and pork ribs, the menu centers on fried chicken and burgers. The most popular dish is an order of whole wings — without sauce. “The flavor on the skin is so good … you don’t want to mess it up dipping it in sauce,” Blackmon raved.

The Fat Boy is another staple — two hamburger patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, slaw and chili complete this delicious sandwich. The original Fat Boy included tartar sauce, but current tastebuds have deemed it an unnecessary addition.

A Fat Boy Burger has two patties with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, coleslaw and chili. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

“Some of our more seasoned customers love the big bologna sandwich,” Blackmon jokes. “They also love the croaker — that has bones in it — but I love the flounder.” Back to the bologna sandwich, though, it comes topped with ketchup, mustard, slaw and chili.

[MORE: Revisiting the safe havens for Black travelers around Charlotte in the Green Book.]

A safe haven

The hospitality isn’t just about the food, however. While diners have long returned to Original Chicken ‘n Ribs for good Southern cooking, others have visited for a much-needed pit stop — a safe haven, if you will.

Throughout many of the restaurant’s early years, it was listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book — a guidebook that let Black travelers know of gas stations, hotels, restaurants and other establishments they could visit safely. During segregation, this could mean the difference between finding food or a confrontation when traveling through the South.

Jermaine Blackmon, the third generation owner of Original Chicken ‘n Ribs, holds a facsimile edition of “The Negro Motorist Green Book” — a guidebook that let Black travelers know of gas stations, hotels, restaurants and other establishments they could visit safely. Original Chicken ‘n Ribs is the only restaurant listed in Charlotte that remains open. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Decades later, the restaurant is the only Charlotte establishment listed in the guidebook that is still around.

“It makes me feel great inside — it’s good to know we were a safe haven for people,” Blackmon said. With framed pictures of his grandfather on the wall, Blackmon realizes the importance — and presence — of this legacy. “My mom never went to school with white people,” he noted, as customers of different ethnic backgrounds enter and exit the restaurant.

Jermaine Blackmon, owner of Original Chicken ‘n Ribs, plans to stay in his family business for the long haul. “I want to work here ’til I’m 80 or 85 if I’m healthy,” he said. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

On this day, Blackmon joked with many of the customers lined up as the restaurant opened at 11 a.m.

“We cook everything to order for every customer, so sometimes it takes a while, but it’s worth it,” Blackmon said while packaging orders. “I remember when CIAA came to town — we had a line waiting to get in — that was something.”

There’s something about a hot, welcoming meal that keeps customers returning time after time.

All in the family

Over seven decades, the restaurant has seen some changes. A remodel in 2013. Visits from Harvey Gantt, Thomas Davis and Mel Watt. Construction traffic caused by the nearby Gold Line. Price hikes exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Menu additions including a turkey burger, salads, hot dogs and Beatties Ford Punch — a combination of lemonade, fruit punch and grape drink.

Much has remained the same, too, including family ties. Blackmon’s family has been around Charlotte for generations. He attended Olympic High School, his mom West Charlotte, and his dad North Mecklenburg. “My mother’s mother is from Charlotte, too,” he said.

Blackmon’s mother, Delores Miller, is still busy working every day the restaurant is open. “She comes in early,” Blackmon said. “She cuts greens, brews tea on the stove, peels potatoes for the potato salad. We do a lot of prep work around here. She just wants to work.” Although Ms. Miller has knee surgery scheduled soon, she shows no sign of slowing down.

Original Chicken ‘n Ribs is located at 1100 Beatties Ford Road. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Blackmon isn’t sure who will take over the restaurant after him, but he’s sure it will be someone in the family. For the time being, though, it’s a non-issue. “I want to work here ’til I’m 80 or 85 if I’m healthy,” he said.

“See ya. Thank you. Come again.” Sitting between Interstates 77 and 85 — and rooted firmly in the community — diners will surely be returning for years to come.