Louis William and Emily “Jackie” (Jordan) Banks, Deadwood's “King and Queen of Fried Chicken”, put smiles on people's faces and good food in their bellies for 35 years. In 1928, the Banks arrived in Deadwood and became renown through their Southern style cooking. As their popularity grew, so did their menu selections that featured Southern fried chicken, T-Bone steak, fresh fried catfish, and chili. Local newspapers advertised the restaurant often, one ad even pictured well-liked and widely known, Louis Banks, as seen on this panel.
Early in their cooking careers, Louis and Jackie managed several restaurants in Deadwood, including "The Ole Style" night club, until they were able to purchase and renovate their own building at 558 Main Street. They adorned the front of their restaurant with a large, two-colored chicken, that became a landmark of good times and good food. During World War II, Jackie operated their restaurant while Louis, a WWI veteran, enlisted again and served in the U.S. Army during the war.
Louie's Chicken Hut fed countless satisfied Deadwood patrons until 1963 when Louis and Jackie retired. Today,
the interpretive panel marks the location of the successful and locally famous Louie's Chicken Hut. Erected 2024 by Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission.
