Prominent Durham soul food spot awarded $50K grant for historic preservation
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- The Chicken Hut in Durham received a $50K grant for preservation support.
- The grant from the National Trust and AmEx supports historic food businesses.
- Founded in 1957, the Black-owned restaurant is now pursuing landmark status.
Famed for its chicken and rich in history, the oldest Black-owned restaurant in Durham is on its way to landmark status.
The Chicken Hut, owned by the Tapp family since its founding in 1957 as the Chicken Box, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express.
This is the fifth year for the grant program Backing Historic Small Businesses, and The Chicken Hut is one of 50 recipients for 2025. The program aims to spotlight small, family-owned restaurants and fund renovations and expansions.
The Chicken Hut and Zadie’s Market in Marshall were the two North Carolina spots to receive grants. Zadie’s was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene and has since reopened.
“These restaurants demonstrate the power that places hold,” said Carol Quillen, president and CEO for the National Trust for Historic Preservation in a news release. “For generations, neighbors have gathered here, shared stories, made new connections, and enjoyed regional cuisine that often reflects our nation’s global roots. We’re grateful and proud to join with American Express to help ensure that these meaningful places thrive and continue to serve as vibrant, welcoming spaces for years to come.”
The Chicken Hut Durham
The Chicken Hut is a beloved soul food restaurant that has long been on the historic preservation radar. This year, Preservation Durham has been working to make the restaurant a local landmark. Earlier this summer, Durham’s Historic Preservation Commission drafted a letter of support for The Chicken Hut’s efforts to be known as a landmark.
Since its founding, The Chicken Hut and its owners the Tapp family have been involved in Durham politics, social justice and community organizing and the arts.
This story was originally published August 25, 2025 at 11:22 AM.
