From Hometown Acclaim to Multi-City Growth: Michelin-Recommended Hattie B's Expands in Chicago and Sets Chattanooga Opening Date

After back-to-back Michelin Guide honors, the celebrated fast-casual concept extends its Midwest reach and announces a November 18 launch for the Scenic City. 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following its second consecutive inclusion in the Michelin Guide American South, Hattie B's Hot Chicken is welcoming a landmark month of growth. This momentum is driven by the brand's recent expansion in Chicago and the upcoming opening of its highly anticipated first Chattanooga restaurant inside the historic, repurposed Signal Knitting Mills on the city's Northshore. 

The dual milestones mark a period of rapid momentum for the family-owned, fast-casual brand.  

The Chattanooga opening solidifies Hattie B's footprint in East Tennessee, following a successful launch in Knoxville this past August. With this expansion, the beloved concept will have a presence across every major metropolitan hub in its home state — where hot chicken was officially designated a Tennessee State Food by the General Assembly in 2025.

Hattie B's cemented its reputation for delivering top-tier culinary quality alongside signature Southern hospitality by retaining its Michelin Recommended status for its original Midtown Nashville location at the 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony last month.

"When we started Hattie B's almost 15 years ago, one of the things that was most important to my dad and me was consistently serving our guests delicious food and genuine hospitality at a great value, so being recognized by Michelin again this year is a true honor," Hattie B's co-founder Nick Bishop Jr. said.  

The company channels its culinary momentum with a sharp focus on maintaining its high standards for menu execution at each of its 21 locations across six states.  

"Restaurants are about people and community, and being in service to both," Bishop said. "I believe we have always held those things at the heart of Hattie B's and how we show up for our teams and guests each and every day." 

Hattie B's welcomed guests to its second Chicago restaurant in Wicker Park on Oct. 28, following its Midwest debut in February at Gallagher Way, adjacent to Wrigley Field. A third location in the bustling, high-energy neighborhood of River North is set to open in spring 2027.

"We're excited to grow our presence in one of the best food and beverage cities in the world. It's an incredibly proud moment for our entire team," Bishop said.   

Hattie B's iconic menu is rooted in the Tennessee meat-and-three tradition. Guest favorites include the Chicken Sandwich, Jumbo Tenders, the Half Bird Plate, Dirty Bird Fries and Southern Salad. Each of these can be adjusted to specific spice preferences, with the "Southern" (no heat) and "Sweet & Smoky" selections available for those skipping the spice. The menu also features flavorful side dishes like bacon-cheddar grits, collard greens and pimento mac & cheese. Classic desserts such as banana pudding and peach cobbler round out the meal.  

About Hattie B's Hot Chicken: With an emphasis on quality, authenticity and value, Hattie B's was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, by father-and-son duo Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr. in 2012. From bone-in chicken to tenders and sandwiches, Hattie B's fried chicken is crispy, juicy and packed with flavor. With nine restaurants currently in Tennessee and two locations in Illinois — along with spots in Alabama, Georgia, Nevada and Texas — the brand continues to grow a devoted following.  

Hattie B's retained its Recommended Restaurant status in the 2026 Michelin Guide American South after first earning the recognition in the 2025 guide. The fast-casual eatery's 2026 charitable partner is The Busyhead Project, which receives $1 from every order of "Shut the Cluck Up!" sold. For more information, visit hattieb.com or follow Hattie B's on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.   

SOURCE Hattie B's