This year marks a significant milestone for Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant as it celebrates its 90th anniversary. Nestled in the heart of Buena Park, the restaurant has been a culinary landmark since its inception in 1934, when Cordelia Knott started serving her famous country-fried chicken to support her family’s roadside produce stand.

The journey of Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant is a captivating tale of humble beginnings, culinary delight, and innovative entertainment. Cordelia’s original recipes, which started with hot biscuits and homemade preserves, quickly gained popularity, necessitating the introduction of her now-iconic fried chicken. This move not only satisfied hungry customers but set the stage for a larger phenomenon. By 1940, the overwhelming crowds enjoying the food and seeking entertainment inspired Walter Knott to create an authentic Ghost Town experience, leading to the birth of Southern California’s first themed amusement park.

Today, Mrs. Knott’s continues to serve an average of 1,000 chickens daily, maintaining the tradition of quality and homestyle cooking that began almost a century ago. The restaurant not only celebrates its culinary heritage but also its pivotal role in the creation of a beloved amusement park, intertwining food with fun and nostalgia.

As Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant commemorates its 90th anniversary, it invites guests to partake in the festivities and enjoy the delicious, historically rich dishes that have become a staple of Southern California dining and entertainment.

As this year marks its 90th anniversary, Knott’s is celebrating the legacy of this beloved establishment through a wide range of offerings all year long:

• May 25 – September 2 – Start your day in a berry special way at the Berry Family Breakfast event, featuring delicious dishes and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Available on select weekends from 8 am to 11 am, starting from May 22 through September 2.
• June 13 – Party like it’s 1934 and celebrate with us as we receive a Resolution of Recognition from the Office of Senator Janet Nguyen, commemorating our 90 years of excellence in the community. Those in attendance will be the first to grab exclusive anniversary merch.
• Select Dates in June and July – Seniors 65+ can treat themselves to a delightful Early Bird Senior Buffet Dinner every Tuesday from 3 pm to 5 pm, starting from June 18, June 25, July 2, and July 9.
• July 6 – Join us as we celebrate National Fried Chicken Day! Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant has served over ninety million pounds of fresh chicken over the past 90 years! Enjoy special fried chicken dishes and celebrate this delicious occasion with photo ops and a discount only available on this day.
• August – Experience a blast from the past with our new Throwback Happy Hour Flights. These flights will feature popular drinks from the past 9 decades and are only available at the bar from 11-3PM.
• Select nights of Knott’s Scary Farm in September and October: Experience a spooky Midnight Breakfast Buffet every Friday to Sunday from 12 am to 3 am, featuring a variety of breakfast favorites and packaged with a commemorative Scary Farm T-shirt.
• November: Join us for Cordelia’s Tea Party – A 90th Anniversary Celebration. Enjoy a traditional tea party experience, featuring unique tea blends, delicious treats, and a commemorative teaspoon.
• December: Join us on select weekends from 8 am to 11 am for Santa’s Breakfast. Meet Santa Claus, enjoy a delicious breakfast and receive a commemorative plush.