Chattanooga, Tennessee, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, the well-known Nashville-based restaurant chain, is planning to open a new location in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This will be the brand’s first establishment in East Tennessee and aligns with the company’s growth strategy to explore vibrant food scenes in new markets. Although the specific site is not confirmed, discussions are ongoing about a potential location at the former Food Works in Signal Knitting Mill. Hattie B’s, famous for its spicy Southern fare, aims to expand its culinary offerings while actively engaging in community support initiatives.
Chattanooga, Tennessee Welcomes New Hot Chicken Restaurant
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, a Nashville-based restaurant chain known for its spicy Southern-style fare, plans to open a location in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Currently, the chain operates 13 locations across five states, with new openings set for late 2025 or 2026.
Company spokesperson Amy Corley has expressed interest in Chattanooga due to its “vibrant food scene,” as they explore opportunities in the area as part of their growth strategy. If confirmed, the Chattanooga venue would be the first Hattie B’s location in East Tennessee.
Current and Future Expansion Plans
Hattie B’s, founded in 2012 in Midtown Nashville, has expanded to include four other locations in Nashville alone. The chain projects to double its presence in Texas, with new stores slated to open in Austin and Plano next year. Additional forthcoming locations include East Nashville, Huntsville, and Wrigleyville, Chicago.
No specific details have been confirmed regarding the exact location for the Chattanooga restaurant; however, discussions are underway about potentially moving into the former Food Works location in the Signal Knitting Mill building on Manufacturers Road. Food Works ceased operations in 2024, having served the community for 18 years. It is important to note that no lease has been signed for this space yet, which remains under consideration for new tenants.
Menu Offerings and Community Engagement
Hattie B’s is celebrated for its menu featuring Southern classics with five spice levels, including options ranging from mild to the famously spicy “shut the cluck up.” Menu highlights include chicken sandwiches, jumbo chicken tenders, whole chicken options, and favorite side dishes such as pimento mac and cheese, bacon cheddar grits, southern greens, and black-eyed pea salad.
Additionally, Hattie B’s offers a selection of beverages, including frozen alcoholic Icees, cocktails, draft beers, tea, and lemonade. Dessert options are appealing as well, featuring banana pudding, peach cobbler, and vanilla ice cream.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Hattie B’s is actively involved in charitable initiatives, supporting local partners like Children’s of Alabama and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Recently, Hattie B’s donated 100% of sales from its Texas locations on July 10 to assist with flood relief efforts after the Guadalupe River experienced flooding on July 4.
Background on Hattie B’s
The chain is a family-owned business co-founded by Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr.. Since its inception, Hattie B’s has grown substantially, carving a niche in the Southern food scene and gaining a loyal customer base across multiple states.
The Signal Knitting Mill building, home to the former Food Works, dates back to 1916 and was purchased by Coro Realty Advisors in 2020. The building also houses another Nashville chain, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, which opened in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hattie B’s Hot Chicken?
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is a Nashville-based restaurant chain known for its spicy Southern-style fare.
- Where is the new location of Hattie B’s set to open?
- The new location is set to open in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- How many locations does Hattie B’s currently have?
- Hattie B’s currently operates 13 locations across five states.
- What menu options does Hattie B’s offer?
- Hattie B’s menu features Southern classics with five spice levels, including chicken sandwiches, jumbo chicken tenders, and various side dishes like pimento mac and cheese and bacon cheddar grits.
- What kind of charitable initiatives does Hattie B’s engage in?
- Hattie B’s supports local partners such as Children’s of Alabama and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and has donated 100% of sales from its Texas locations for flood relief.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Hattie B’s Hot Chicken |
| Proposed Location | Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Current Locations | 13 locations across five states |
| Menu Highlights | Southern classics, chicken sandwiches, jumbo chicken tenders, variety of sides, desserts |
| Charitable Initiatives | Support for Children’s of Alabama, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, flood relief donations |
