Ball’s Is Back! Lake Charles Fried Chicken Favorite Reopens

Ball’s Fried Chick-n Reopens in Lake Charles After 5-Year Wait

Lake Charles, LA — It’s the comeback Lake Charles has been craving for more than five years. Ball’s Fried Chick-n, the beloved family-owned restaurant known for serving the best fried chicken on the planet, officially reopened its doors today, Monday, April 28, 2025.

And if you thought folks weren’t ready? Think again!

Residents started lining up at 7 a.m.—two hours before the doors even opened. Some came with coolers. Some brought hotboxes. Others brought camp chairs and good vibes to Nelly Lutcher Park across the street. Why? Because Ball’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s part of the soul of Lake Charles.

Residents started lining up at 7 a.m.—two hours before the doors even opened. Some came with coolers. Some brought hotboxes. Others brought camp chairs and good vibes to Nelly Lutcher Park across the street. Why? Because Ball’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s part of the soul of Lake Charles.

Ball’s Fried Chick-n originally opened back in 1947 and quickly became a local institution. Before Hurricane Laura made landfall in August 2020, they had two locations—one at 606 Enterprise Blvd and another on Common Street. But the Category 4 storm, packing winds of 150 mph, devastated the area and shuttered Ball’s along with dozens of other local landmarks. More than 70% of Lake Charles’ public housing and commercial structures were destroyed or damaged beyond repair.

But the Ball’s legacy? That couldn’t be blown away.

When whispers of a reopening began circulating in March, the buzz spread like wildfire. Today’s grand opening brought out everyone from longtime customers and city officials to the local Marshal’s Office and news crews. In a show of community spirit, the City of Lake Charles even provided chairs at the park nearby for the crowd that was expected—and they weren’t wrong.

“It’s been five years, but it feels like home again,” one customer said as they walked out with enough fried chicken to feed a family reunion.

So far, only the Enterprise Blvd location has reopened, and there’s no word yet on whether Ball’s will return to Common Street or open new spots. But for now, Lake Charles is just happy to have a piece of its heart back on a plate—hot, crispy, and seasoned to perfection. Take a look below at footage from Monday's grand opening