Filet mignon of chicken? Tenders restaurant plots spots in Rock Hill, Fort Mill
Huey Magoo’s is bringing its signature chicken tenders, sandwiches and wraps to metro Charlotte with new restaurants planned for Rock Hill and Fort Mill.
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The expansion is part of a larger plan to bring six Huey Magoo’s restaurants to the fast-growing regions and Columbia, South Carolina, according to a news release sent to CharlotteFive. The first spot is set to open in Rock Hill by spring 2027, followed by a second location near the University of South Carolina.
Details on when the Fort Mill restaurant could debut remain under wraps, for now.
Longtime friends turned franchise partners Grant McDowell and Jeremy Press are leading the expansion alongside operational partner Jason Twitty, who will manage the group’s day-to-day affairs.
Together, the trio boasts decades of experience in entrepreneurship, food service, real estate and community leadership.
“We considered a number of brands while searching for a franchise to open together, with some not having ideal territories available and others just not leaving a great impression,” Press said in the release. “Then a Huey Magoo’s ad popped up.”
The chicken tender concept launched in 2004 and now has locations in 13 states, according to its website. It was recently voted 4th-best fast food fried chicken by USA Today 10Best and landed a spot on Fast Casual’s 2026 Top 100 Movers + Shakers list.
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The Florida-born chain has five existing locations across South Carolina, but the Rock Hill restaurant will mark its first foray into the Charlotte region.
After a bit of research and a trip to Huey Magoo’s Greenville restaurant, Press said he and his team were sold on it.
Dubbed the “Home of the Filet Mignon of Chicken,” customers can expect a menu of hand-breaded chicken tender meals, sandwiches, salads and wraps. And there are plenty of sauces for dipping: signature Magoo’s and a house-made ranch alongside honey mustard, Buffalo and sweet red chili.
Foodies can choose from seasonal offerings and sides of french fries, coleslaw and more. For dessert, there are cookies and handcrafted banana pudding.
McDowell said the schools and growing business community in Rock Hill made it a top pick for the group’s first Charlotte-area restaurant. Proximity to the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets territory was also a plus.
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“We can’t wait to open our doors to a new Huey Magoo’s fan base,” he said.
Location: Rock Hill and Fort Mill
Cuisine: Chicken tender sandwiches, wraps, salads and more
Instagram: @hueymagoos
This story was originally published August 20, 2026 at 12:21 PM.
