Coon Chicken Inn

Coon Chicken Inn

Coon Chicken Inn was a restaurant chain that operated in the United States from the late 1920s to the mid-1950s. It was known for its controversial name and racially insensitive imagery.

History

Coon Chicken Inn was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1925 by Maxon Lester Graham and Adelaide Burt. The restaurant chain quickly expanded to other locations, including Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon.

The name "Coon Chicken Inn" was derived from a racial slur used to demean African Americans. The restaurant's logo featured a caricature of a black man with exaggerated features, wearing a chef's hat and holding a platter of fried chicken. This imagery perpetuated harmful stereotypes and was offensive to many.

Despite the racially insensitive branding, Coon Chicken Inn became popular among white customers, who were drawn to the restaurant's Southern-style fried chicken and other menu items. The chain's success led to further expansion, with additional locations opening in Spokane, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Controversy and Closure

As societal attitudes towards racial equality began to shift in the mid-20th century, Coon Chicken Inn faced increasing criticism for its offensive branding. Civil rights activists and concerned citizens protested against the restaurant chain, calling for its closure.

In the 1940s, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) launched a nationwide campaign to boycott Coon Chicken Inn and other businesses that perpetuated racial stereotypes. The pressure from the boycott and negative publicity eventually took its toll on the restaurant chain.

Coon Chicken Inn closed its last remaining location in Seattle in 1957, marking the end of the controversial restaurant chain. The closure was seen as a victory for the civil rights movement and a step towards greater racial equality.

Legacy

Today, Coon Chicken Inn is remembered as a symbol of racial insensitivity and a reminder of the harmful stereotypes that were prevalent in the past. The restaurant's offensive branding serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.

While the physical locations of Coon Chicken Inn no longer exist, the controversy surrounding the restaurant chain continues to be studied and discussed in academic and cultural contexts. It serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made in combating racial discrimination and the ongoing work that still needs to be done.

See Also

• Racial Stereotypes
• Civil Rights Movement
• Cultural Sensitivity