Jennifer Plesko

One of my most vivid childhood memories was going to a place called Tinsley’s Chicken N’ Rolls. It was a fast food restaurant based out of Huntsville (one of the few good things to come out of that hole), and there were two locations in my town.

The rolls were light as air and the aroma smacked you in the face as you walked in. And the chicken was crunchy, greasy, and perfectly seasoned. The chain was bought out by Church’s in 1986, and they all went away. Now, after what must’ve been the world’s longest non-compete agreement, Tinsley’s has reopened in Huntsville after 22 years.

So last Saturday, my parents asked me if I’d like to take a break from painting my house to make the hour-long drive to Huntsville to try it out. Ummm. No. Can I wait another 22 years, please? So we made the trek to the armpit of east Texas, and as we approached the city limits, suddenly I heard angels singing.

Then, there it was. Boss Bird in all his glory…

I practically skipped across the parking lot, not caring forgetting that my dad was moving kinda slow from that whole having his spine cut up thing. When I opened the door, that familiar fragrance hit me and I breathed, “It smells the same!”

When we walked in, a friendly man behind the counter called out “Welcome to Tinsley’s Chicken N’ Rolls! We are back in business!” and I got chills. We stared at the menu for awhile just trying to decide the perfect combination for our reunion.

“Take your time. No need to rush. I am here ’til five!” the friendly man said laughing.

I gingerly stepped up to order. “Can I get the two piece meal…all dark…with…fries and a roll? I mean, TWO rolls!” Or twelve, I thought.

A few minutes later, my carbohydrate extravaganza was sitting before me in unparalleled glory.

Where to start?? It’s a well-known fact that I can only eat one thing at a time, so trying to decide whether to go with the rolls, the chicken, or the fries was a stressful decision for me. Ultimately, I decided to try one of the rolls first. I grabbed the honey off the table and drizzled a web of golden swirls over the top. With anticipation, I took a bite and felt like I had been transported back to 1986 in the Delorean. After devouring the first one, I committed a breach in my routine and went for the chicken. A multitude of heavenly birds were clucking praises as I bit into the leg and a geyser of hot grease shot out. I don’t remember much after that, but minutes later I woke from a trance with glistening fingers and lips and an empty paper basket.

I don’t know if I can drag myself back to Huntsville for my next out-of-body experience, but apparently they are in talks to open a location in my hometown, so here’s hoping.