Magnolia Room Cafeteria in Tucker, Georgia, is known for one thing above all—fried chicken. Each piece is hand-breaded, seasoned with a classic Southern blend, and cooked to a golden crisp. The recipe has remained the same for decades.
Owner Louis Squires says, “We don’t change what works. People want the taste they remember from childhood. That’s what we give them.”

Magnolia Room uses fresh, never-frozen chicken. The kitchen staff prepares each batch daily. The chicken is soaked in buttermilk, rolled in seasoned flour, and fried in small batches. This keeps every piece crispy outside and juicy inside.
Customers often say it reminds them of home. Many drive from nearby towns to enjoy a plate. According to customer reviews on Google, fried chicken is the most-mentioned dish.
Tucker has a population of over 37,000. It sits in DeKalb County, east of Atlanta. The city blends suburban comfort with local charm. Tucker supports small businesses like Magnolia Room. In 2023, the Tucker Downtown Development Authority reported over 60% of residents shop or eat local at least once a week.
Louis Squires says, “We’ve got people who’ve lived in Tucker for generations. They’ve watched their kids and grandkids grow up eating here. That means everything to us.”
Several key things set Magnolia Room’s fried chicken apart:
Fresh Ingredients: No frozen meat. No shortcuts.
Daily Prep: Cooked fresh every morning.
Consistent Flavor: Same spice mix. Same frying method.
Southern Style: Bone-in. Golden brown. Comforting.
“We don’t use gimmicks,” Squires adds. “We use cast iron, good oil, and a lot of care.”
People visit Magnolia Room for more than food. They come for the feeling. Seniors, families, and locals gather here to enjoy a shared experience. Fried chicken is a big part of that. It brings people together.
Louis Squires says it best: “It’s more than chicken. It’s tradition on a plate.”