The first few years of sales were slim. Word of mouth kept sales growing from year to year. It didn’t take long until people knew where to get the best fried chicken to satisfy their cravings. In 1989, John Cassidy started as a part-time cook for Neil. Soon the two of them realized that this pair was the combination needed to make this restaurant grow. With other options to try, such as burgers, pizza, etc., Neil and John realized that they had to focus on chicken. Neil’s philosophy was simple; “by concentrating on one thing we can do it better than anyone else.” Without any training in restaurant management they ran it by trial and error.

With both Neil and John working long hours and many times seven days a week, business began taking off. Since their seating capacity was minimal, they began focusing on take-out business. A drive-up window was lined with cars, seating was always full, and additional fryers couldn’t keep up with demand. In 1995, after much persuasion, The Keg was moved to a larger location less than two miles away, and it's name shortened to “The Keg Lounge.” 

It was then that Neil and John purchased The Keg from Neil’s parents. The new location had 2,400 square feet, seating for 80, and nine fryers, but they outgrew that within the first couple of years and realized that they had to expand once again. In 1999, Neil and John started purchasing their chicken from Gold’n Plump®. It cost a little more, but Neil and John wanted the best chicken in the business to compliment their marinade and batter. Customer response was awesome; The Keg is currently one of Gold’n Plump®’s largest solo operating restaurants. 


In 2000, The Keg moved to the opposite end of its present strip mall to a 5,700 square foot location. Seating capacity was nearly 200 with a separate bar and dining area. Again the name was changed, to its current name, “The Keg.” With 17 fryers, business was booming - so much so that Neil and John purchased two more fryers, hired several employees, and trained managers to help run the day-to-day business.  

In 2004 they opened their second location on the west side of Sioux Falls located at the corner of 57th & Marion Rd.  This store has a fryer line of 26 fryers.  One of the largest in the country, which you can see in our picture gallery.  This has allowed them to cater parties for over 2000 people.  They provide service to several local businesses for lunches and dinners, as well as catering for weddings, graduations, and picnics.

In 2006 The Keg started an All-U-Can Eat chicken lunch buffet.  Both locations serve their buffet from 11am - 2pm to accommodate those people who need a quick lunch.  The buffet is simple- chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, beans, stuffing and a vegetable, plus they rotate other items such as gizzards, hot legs, and shredded chicken.

If you're wondering where to take the family out for dinner tonight, or if you're looking to have an event catered or want to pick something up for your next picnic, pot luck, or family get together, give them a call.  You'll be glad you did.