This past Saturday, a huge line of excited and hungry fans lined up to try out Birmingham’s newest chicken restaurant, Lady E’s Chick’n Cafe, to get, “a taste of love in the South.” Read more to find out what makes this restaurant so special.

Alabama’s first restaurant opened by an openly transgender Black woman

The entrance. (Summer Guffey / Bham Now)

Hundreds of people made their way to downtown Birmingham to get a taste of Alabama’s first chicken restaurant owned and operated by an openly transgender Black woman. According to The Bama Buzz, the owner, Lauryn England, was previously a hairstylist turned reality television star, who recently decided to follow her long-time dream of opening a wing spot.

Gaye Magazine reported that her father, who has been supportive of her during her transition, recently received a kidney transplant. To honor everything he has done for her, Lauryn is donating a portion of the proceeds made from Lady E’s Chick’n Cafe to her upcoming kidney foundation. She wants to help others affected by kidney failure, dialysis or any other kidney complications.

I’m still on high that I opened my 1st restaurant downtown Birmingham on yesterday 😩 day 1 we had hundreds of people at once and day 2 was amazing & smooth like I planned! The city has been showing SO MUCH LOVE I am so grateful and honored.
Take a look inside! Lady E’s CHICK’n pic.twitter.com/BzUAA4h63y
— Lauryn England (@LaurynEngland8) March 28, 2022

Lady E’s Chick’n Cafe

owned and operated by a Black trans woman — 24 karot in the city. (Summer Guffey / Bham Now)

So people could safely line up on the street, the City of Birmingham closed down Park Place, the street the restaurant is located on. This was great thinking on their part because when I got there at 12PM, there was already a line that stretched from sidewalk to sidewalk.

What does Lady E’s Chick’n Cafe have to offer? They specialize in chicken wings with signature sauces, unique sides and several other dishes including sweet potato pancakes. Also, Lauryn serves a total of 17 different sauces. Pop off!

Although the wait on the first day was pretty long—Lauryn wasn’t expecting so much love from the city (honestly a great problem to have)—the food was exceptional.

Here’s what you should try: Ms. Honey Hot (it’s just hot enough) with the Cajun ranch fries. It’s 10/10!