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Jessica Nelms

Renovations are currently underway in preparation of the opening of the Guthrie's restaurant that will be opening in Clemson within the next two weeks. Guthrie's, which specializes in chicken fingers, serves chicken by-the-bucket, salads, chicken plates, breakfast and more.

CLEMSON — Guthrie’s, which specializes in golden fried chicken fingers with more than 50 locations throughout the South, is set to open its Clemson restaurant within a couple of weeks.

Owner Tony Rutland said the restaurant will be housed in the former Kentucky Fried Chicken building on Tiger Boulevard.

“It’s been a popular concept in Southern college football towns,” Rutland said of the restaurant.

Guthrie’s was founded in 1965 when Hal Guthrie opened the full service restaurant in Haleyville, Ala. In 1978, he added chicken fingers to the menu along with the “original famous sauce” he created at age 10.

Guthrie opened a second restaurant in Auburn, Ala. in 1982 and began serving chicken fingers as the only entrée. Two years later, another restaurant opened in Athens, Ga., the first of many to open across the South. The restaurant began franchising in 2005.

When Rutland brought plans for the restaurant’s Clemson location to Clemson City Council earlier this year, the initial site was to be at the corner of S.C. Highway 93 and Kelly Road. Rutland told council members the restaurant would be locally owned and operated, would not serve alcohol, would provide job opportunities for local college students, is supportive of community events and is involved with local charities.

In addition, Rutland said Guthrie’s is heavily involved in the athletics of nearby universities and that its interior would contain numerous Clemson athletic memorabilia.

After the original site was purchased before a deal could be finalized, Rutland said the KFC building was purchased.

“This opportunity came about, and it is a much better location,” he said.

Guthrie’s will have a seating capacity of 56 and served by 25 employees, some of whom will be part-time. Rutland said that Robert Gibson, a Seneca High School graduate with 15 years of experience in the food service industry, will serve as manager.

For Rutland, a Clemson University graduate, opening the first Guthrie’s in South Carolina, in the town of his alma mater, is the perfect scenario.

“This is where I’ve always wanted to be,” Rutland said.

Rutland said Guthrie’s would consist of a tan and black color scheme, with a monument sign in front and the name of the restaurant on a black awning around the building. Though the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner initially, plans are to eventually serve breakfast.