The Hot Chicken Gospel

If you’ve lived in Nashville for more than a minute, you know that hot chicken isn't just a meal—it’s a rite of passage. I remember when I first moved here over a decade ago; "hot chicken" was a local secret you had to seek out in unassuming corners of the city. Today, it’s a global phenomenon, and while the "O.G." crown belongs to the legendary Prince family, Hattie B’s is the reason the rest of the world knows Nashville’s name.

The legend of Nashville hot chicken is a wild "revenge served hot" story. As the tale goes, back in the 1930s, Thornton Prince’s girlfriend suspected him of stepping out with other women. To teach him a lesson, she doused his Sunday fried chicken in an ungodly amount of cayenne pepper. The plan backfired—he loved it. He loved it so much he opened the BBQ Chicken Shack (now Prince’s Hot Chicken), and a culinary icon was born.

The Rise of Hattie B’s

While the dish has been a staple in Nashville’s Black community for nearly a century, Hattie B’s entered the scene in 2012. Founded by father-son duo Nick Bishop Sr. and Jr., the original location opened in Midtown and immediately set a new standard for the fast-casual hot chicken experience.

Since I’ve been a local, I’ve watched Hattie B’s grow from that one Midtown spot into a certified empire. They’ve expanded across the city and even taken the heat to places like Atlanta, Birmingham, Dallas, and the Las Vegas strip.

Why I’m a Fan:

There are plenty of spots to get a hot bird in this town, but I keep going back to Hattie B’s for one reason: the quality. Their white meat is consistently unmatched—juicy, tender, and never "stringy."

They recently opened a massive location right on Broadway at the Fifth + Broadway complex. Yes, the line usually wraps around the building, but the energy inside is electric. It’s vibrant, loud, and feels like the heart of modern Nashville.

My Go-To Order:

The Heat: I usually play it safe with the "Southern" (no heat) or "Mild."
The Sides: You can’t skip the pimento mac and cheese.
The Essentials: A side of their creamy ranch (the ultimate fire extinguisher) and a crisp Diet Coke.

Pro-Tips for the Local (and the Visitor)

If you’re standing in that hour-long line on Broadway, you’re doing it for the "vibe"—which is great! But if you’re just hungry and want your fix without the wait, here is the real local secret:

Use the App: You can order ahead for pickup on the Hattie B’s app.
Postmates is Your Friend: Many locations are available for delivery or "pickup only" orders via Postmates or their website.
The "Coop Club": If you’re a regular, join their rewards program to earn points toward free chicken (and who doesn't want that?).

Nashville has changed a lot in ten years, but the satisfaction of a Hattie B’s box on a sunny afternoon is one thing that’s only gotten better with time.