Joella’s Hot Chicken, a fast casual restaurant known for its hot chicken and made-from-scratch Southern side dishes, announced plans to open nine new stores in the Southeast and Midwest by the end of 2019. The expansion will increase the restaurant’s footprint to five states and reinforces Joella’s as the largest hot chicken restaurant brand in the United States.
Four of the new stores will open throughout metropolitan Atlanta in Cumberland, Kennesaw, Woodstock and Newnan; and three new stores will open in Florida’s Melbourne, Largo and Seminole communities. Additionally, Joella’s has signed leases for a third Cincinnati-area location in Mason, Ohio and Indiana’s fourth location in Fort Wayne.
“Hot chicken isn’t just about heat—it’s about flavor,” says Christina Happel, Regional Vice President of Operations for Joella’s Hot Chicken. “And that’s why current guests have embraced Joella’s. We’re thrilled that we are doubling the number of restaurants serving up just the right amount of spice and a heaping side of Southern hospitality.”
Details about new locations and opening dates will be announced in the near future, including job opportunities and plans to give away “Free Hot Chicken for a Year” to the first 100 guests in line during grand opening events.
Founded in 2015, the company now includes eight locations throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, and will have 17 stores by the end of 2019.
