Les Sisters Southern Kitchen Celebrates 40 Years of Serving LA's Best Fried Chicken

This family-owned Cajun restaurant has been a San Fernando Valley institution since 1986.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen, a Cajun restaurant in the San Fernando Valley, has been serving standout Southern classics like shrimp jambalaya, collard greens, and some of the best fried chicken in Los Angeles for almost four decades. Founded in 1986 by three sisters in spirit - Clara Huling, Roda Hadi, and Willie Stanford - the restaurant has moved locations but maintained its emphasis on homestyle cooking and old-fashioned hospitality. Now run by third-generation owner Jessica Huling, the modest strip mall destination continues to draw a loyal local clientele.

Why it matters

In an era of rapid restaurant turnover, especially in the Los Angeles area, Les Sisters has managed to thrive as a family-owned institution serving authentic Cajun and soul food classics for over 40 years. The restaurant's longevity and continued popularity speaks to the enduring appeal of its homestyle cooking and welcoming atmosphere, as well as the resilience of small, independent restaurants that can adapt to changing times.

The details

Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen opened its doors in 1986 in Chatsworth, founded by three sisters in spirit - Clara Huling, Roda Hadi, and Willie Stanford. Over the years, the restaurant has moved to a new location in Winnetka but has maintained its focus on serving standout Southern and Cajun dishes like shrimp jambalaya, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and what many consider to be some of the best fried chicken in Los Angeles. The modest strip mall destination is now run by third-generation owner Jessica Huling, who has continued the restaurant's legacy of homestyle cooking and old-fashioned hospitality. A regular clientele of locals frequent the restaurant, many on a first-name basis with the longtime staff.

  • Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen opened in 1986.
  • The restaurant has been in its current Winnetka location for several years.

The players

Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen

A family-owned Cajun restaurant that has been a San Fernando Valley institution since 1986, serving standout Southern classics like shrimp jambalaya, collard greens, and fried chicken.

Clara Huling, Roda Hadi, and Willie Stanford

The three sisters in spirit who founded Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen in 1986.

Jessica Huling

The third-generation owner who now runs Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen.

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What they’re saying

“Les Sisters has been a go-to spot for our family for decades. The food is always amazing and the staff feels like old friends.”

— Sarah Gomez, Longtime customer (eater.com)

What’s next

Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen is planning a 40th anniversary celebration later this year, featuring live music, special menu items, and giveaways for loyal customers.

The takeaway

Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen's ability to thrive for over four decades as a family-owned, independent restaurant in the competitive Los Angeles market is a testament to the enduring appeal of its authentic Cajun and soul food offerings, as well as its commitment to hospitality and community.