This Southern Gem Of A Restaurant In Augusta Has Been Cooking For 58 Years

If you're reading this, chances are you have enjoyed the food here or have heard about it. When celebrities come to town for concerts or golf, most will request a trip to this restaurant known for its fried chicken, banana pudding, and sweet tea. WifeSaver Restaurants is a local and family-owned Augusta restaurant serving Southern goodness.

Restaurants come and go, so to stay open and grow for 58 years is something special....just like their food. I usually get WifeSaver for Thanksgiving each year. I did it a few years back, and now my family wants it every year.  Pro Tip: Order early! They get very busy during the holidays.

According to Lindsey Folley, granddaughter of the founder and daughter of the current owner, Chris Cunningham, WifeSaver was Founded in 1965 by George Cunningham; WifeSaver began as a way for George to take care of the mounting medical bills brought on by his son (and now owner) Chris Cunningham’s childhood bout with polio. Built by the Cunninghams and family friend “Hambone,” the original WifeSaver on Milledgeville Road stood in the front yard of George’s home.

Before opening, George ran the cafeteria at Lily Tulip. Fridays were every employee’s favorite because it meant George would be serving his “soon-to-be-famous” Fried Chicken. Everyone’s love for his food, especially his fried chicken, is what sparked the idea of the restaurant. Now, this Augusta restaurant serving Southern goodness is still busier than ever.

Most everyone in George’s family thought opening a restaurant was crazy, but his Mama loved the idea and ultimately came up with the name WifeSaver.

The lovebirds in the WifeSaver logo happened by chance. The gentleman hired to make the sign for the new venture only had a few graphics. One of those being the now iconic lovebirds. He showed them to George, who responded, “That’ll work,” and the logo was created.

Now, there are five locations of WifeSaver. North Leg Road in Augusta and Martintown Road in North Augusta owned and operated by the Cunninghams. Also,  Washington Road in Augusta, and Furys Ferry location in Evans, each owned and operated by the Dukes family, plus Grovetown, which is owned and operated by Shelly Day.