‘King Chicken’ Expected To Be A Boost For Future Commercial Development

BELDEN, MISS. (WCBI) – A new restaurant in Tupelo serves a southern favorite, in a familiar setting. And many believe the opening of  “King Chicken Fillin Station”could bring more commercial development on Tupelo’s west side.

The first official day of business for “King Chicken Fillin Station” was hectic.

“We’re going to be one busy little corner over here in Belden,” said Melodi McCamey, whose uncle Mitch, and a host of other team members have worked for months to get the former “Belden Grocery and Deli” ready.  The building dates back to the 1940s, and will sell items you expect to find in a convenience store, but the main focus is the fried chicken.

“Everybody loves chicken and we’re doing our take on Nashville style chicken so we are kind of like a mix between Gus and Hattie B’s, with our own little flair to it.”

The fuel pumps are being serviced, customers will be able to buy gasoline, but you have to go inside to pay for it, and that’s not by accident.

“This is old school, we want to take and really have great food and great customer service, like an old country store,” Mitch McCamey said.

McCamey also owns Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen, and is co owner of the Neon Pig, two popular Tupelo restaurants.  His name recognition is expected to not only help King Chicken, but also nearby restaurants, such as Amsterdam Deli.  Ruth Erar and her husband opened the mediterranean style restaurant a few years ago.

“The more restaurants on this side of town, the more traffic, they are really great with working with other local businesses, I do hope other people will consider coming to this side of town,” Erar said.

And unlike other parts of the city, there are several large tracts of commercial property available along McCullough Boulevard, for the right developer and the right project.

The old Belden Cash Grocer opened in 1944 and was the longest running convenience store in Lee County.