Authentic Nashville-style hot chicken is coming to greater Cincinnati.

Nashville Hot, a new fast-casual dining concept will open its first location in January 2016 at the Buttermilk Shoppes in Crescent Springs in northern Kentucky. The restaurant group, Nashville Hot LLC is founded by local entrepreneur and former Tom+Chee president and early investor David Krikorian.

Nashville native James Hutchison, will serve as general manager and head chef for Nashville Hot. Hutchison is a veteran of the restaurant industry and has overseen the operation of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken in Nashville and Puckett’s Grill & Restaurant. “Food is my passion,” Hutchison says. “I’ve grown up eating hot chicken and working in the restaurant industry. I’m excited to introduce this traditionally Southern food to a new market using a proprietary blend of spices that I have personally developed.”

Renowned food and restaurant consultant, Baum + Whiteman listed fried chicken andspecifically Nashville-style Hot Chicken as one of the 11 hottest food and beverage trends in 2016.

“Our northern Kentucky/Cincinnati location will be the first of many Nashville Hot restaurants,” Krikorian says. “We are scouting our next two locations in Cincinnati, and plan to open multiple locations through 2016. We are focused on Dayton, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cleveland, Ohio; and Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh. We’ve assembled a fantastic team with decades of restaurant experience including former Cincinnati Bengal, Brad Cousino.

Customers will be able to order their Nashville Hot chicken at the spice level they prefer, along with high quality sides and dessert items. Salads, fish, and grilled options will be available and local craft beers will be on tap. Nashville Hot will also accept carryout and catering orders.

Emerging Concepts, News, Nashville Hot