What happens when you buy a busted van from a burnt-out taco vendor for $3,500 by the river? If you’re Anthony Cruz, it sparks a gritty, years-long grind that leads to Southerns, one of the most buzzed-about fried chicken spots in the city. In this episode, David Vicknair sits down with Anthony to unpack that unlikely journey, from healthcare marketing, to award-winning fish tacos, to a fried chicken sandwich that locals line up for. Anthony shares how a signature rub (no sauce needed) helped set them apart, and why building a strong team means more than chasing commas in a bank account.
But this isn’t just about food, it’s about building something that lasts. Anthony talks expansion, including a new Hammond location, and drops business fundamentals gems: pivoting fast, growing without debt, and creating real opportunities for his people. Plus, hear how staying teachable (yep, even learning hashtags) helped turn hustle into a movement.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏆 Winning major food festivals and gaining popularity 🔁 Mastering the art of pivoting through Covid and beyond 🔥 The signature fried chicken sandwich that people line up for 💸 How they grew without loans, investors, or personal guarantees 👥 Prioritizing culture, mentorship, and real team growth 0:00 – Intro 0:35 – About Anthony & The Origins of Southerns 4:00 – Winning Festivals and Building Buzz 7:15 – The Rub is the Real Secret 9:03 – Anthony’s Favorite Burgers 14:12 – Hustle + Luck = Success 16:17 – Fried Chicken Fest Win & Viral Timing 18:00 – Brick & Mortar vs Food Trucks 23:43 – Opening the First Location in Metairie 27:58 – Anthony’s Superpower 32:51 – Anthony’s Favorite Books
Learn more about Southerns: https://www.southernsfood.com Follow Southerns on Instagram: 
/ southernsfood Follow Southerns on TikTok: / southerns.restaurant
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