For Alaskans, the Lucky Wishbone diner is more than just great fried chicken—it’s a piece of history, a place where families have shared meals for decades, a site where (usually conservative) political activists and pilots gather, and a gentle reminder of the enduring power of good food and community spirit.
Now, the James Beard Foundation has announced Lucky Wishbone as the recipient of its prestigious 2025 America’s Classics Award for the Northwest and Pacific region. The award, presented by HEINZ, recognizes locally and independently owned restaurants with enduring appeal that are deeply cherished by their communities. That’s Lucky Wishbone.
Since its establishment between Elmendorf Field (now JBER) and Merrill Field in 1955, Lucky Wishbone has been a cornerstone of Anchorage’s culinary and aviation scene, serving up timeless comfort food with a side of Alaska history.
Known for its signature fried chicken, hand-formed cheeseburgers, and homemade malts, the restaurant remains a beloved institution through generations, with a drive-thru service offering white cardboard boxes filled with golden-fried delights.
Lucky Wishbone is a taste of nostalgia and community that has lasted since before statehood. It was founded in 1955 by WWII pilot George Brown and his wife Peggy Brown. It weathered the 9.2 magnitude earthquake of 1964.
George, who built the restaurant himself from the ground up, was a familiar face in the dining room until his passing in 2018 at the age of 96.
Today, the legacy continues under the stewardship of co-owners Carolina Stacey, an employee since 1994; Heidi Heinrich-Lervaag, the restaurant’s first hostess hired in 1979; and Patricia Brown-Heller, daughter of the founders, who began her journey in the restaurant peeling potatoes before school.
Anchorage pilots and aviation enthusiasts enjoy Lucky Wishbone’s aviation-themed interior, reflecting its ties to the Air Force base and the state’s rich history of small aircraft pilots.
The menu remains a testament to its roots, with a fried chicken recipe that spans over a century. Accompanying staples like BLTs, fried chicken giblets, and corn muffins with honey have made Lucky Wishbone an Alaskan landmark.
The award places Lucky Wishbone among 100 restaurants nationwide that have received the America’s Classics Award since its inception in 1998.
The honorees will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
WONDERFUL!!! They have remained an old historic part of Anchorage for which has seen less changes. Yes, they’ve revamped the menue, but still remains the same with a few new changes since the recovery of covid.
Stop going when they decided to make their onion rings $9.50.
Club Paris has better food & prices!
Been going there since 1981. Great hamburgers and yummy hot
Fudge milk shakes. Bought my sons
wishbone tshirts several years ago.
They loved reminder of their
Childhoods!!
One of mt personal favorites!
I grew up in a family deli/restaurant, and as an adult, owned a dining establisment. Not once did I ever care about the political leanings of the paying customers. In fact, dad’s policy in the 70s and 80s was to allow political types to congregate there, but any time they tried to push their views on the staff or the other guests, was to politely remind them that they were here to share community, not to exclude people. I think its all well and good to find gathering spaces with like minded folk, but the notion that there are “conservative” restaurants is ludicrous. Right-wingers who resent hippie cafes and the like are welcome to not spend their dollars there, but I would never allow my conservative customers to dictate who else I welcome to enjoy my place.
Got a chip on your shoulder Jimmy?
I do not, I love the Wishbone and patronize them alot, I’m happy they were recognized! I merely think its odd that restaurants are being dragged into political camps. They are literally community gathering spots, not partisan clubs. Kudos to SD for saying “mostly” conservative, but again, we should celebrate places that are welcome to all, and not encourage unneccessary turf-carving. Have a great weekend!
I frequented the Lucky Wishbone as a teenager!! It’s still a great restaurant.
An happy story.. Congratulations!!
Never had a bad meal there, since about 1965. Most of my high school friends worked there at one time or another. The Brown family deserves all the recognition of this award, certainly.
George and Peggy Brown welcomed everyone to The Lucky Wishbone. The current owners carry that philosophy to this day. SD’s insert was meant to provide a chuckle. Let’s hope that humor still plays an important role in our community. For almost 70 years, the Lucky Wishbone has been the place in Anchorage where everyone could enjoy great food and good conversation. The recognition of the contribution that The Lucky Wishbone and the Brown family have made to this community is well deserved. For those who have pointed out the increase in prices, I suggest they take the price of a jumbo bacon Swiss burger in 1955 and apply the CPI increase to it. You will find that the fabulous burger is about the same price in 2024 dollars as it was in 1955 dollars when adjusted for CPI. The Lucky Wishbone, always great and still the best.
I’ve had fried chicken all over the states and world and this has to be my top five maybe top three favorite chicken spots. Congrats.
George and wife Peggy Brown were the kindest and Sweetest owners of
Lucky Wishbone
My wife Patti and me Clifford Williams love the Lucky Wishbone food
We personally met George and Wife
Peggy Brown and we had many chats with George Brown over the years until the Lord took Mr George and Wife Peggy Brown to Heaven
They are really missed
Clifford and Patti Williams
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