Our Story

About Hangry Joe's
Born From Fire & Flavor

Discover the story behind hangry joes — where Nashville-style hot chicken meets a passion for bold, unforgettable flavors right here in Hermitage, Tennessee.

Hangry Joe's kitchen — where hangry joes hot chicken is made
2019
Founded
Our Beginning

The Story Behind
Hangry Joe's

Hangry joes started with a single idea: that Nashville hot chicken deserved to be done right. Founder Joe had spent years perfecting his secret spice blend — sampling every variation across Tennessee, experimenting in his home kitchen, and feeding neighbors who kept coming back for more.

What began as a weekend pop-up became a full restaurant at 3883 Lebanon Pike in Hermitage. The hangry joe's hot chicken recipe hasn't changed — only the crowd that loves it has grown. Today, Hangry Joe's is a destination for anyone who craves that perfect balance of heat, crunch, and soul.

  • Fresh, never-frozen chicken sourced locally in Tennessee
  • Hand-crafted spice blends with no artificial additives
  • Every order made-to-order for maximum freshness
  • Heat levels for every palate — mild to fire-breathing
5+
Years Serving
50K+
Happy Guests
4.8
Avg. Rating
Why We Exist

Our Mission & Purpose

At Hangry Joe's, everything we do is driven by a commitment to flavor, community, and the belief that great chicken changes everything.

Bold Flavors First

We never compromise on taste. Every plate that leaves our kitchen is packed with the kind of flavor that makes you close your eyes and just enjoy the moment.

Fresh Ingredients Always

We source fresh, quality ingredients every single day. No shortcuts, no frozen shortcuts — just real food made with real care for every guest we serve.

Community Driven

Hermitage is home. We give back to the neighborhood that welcomed us, supporting local events, schools, and causes that matter to the people around us.

Made With Passion

Hangry Joe's isn't just a restaurant — it's a labor of love. From the kitchen crew to the front-of-house team, passion is the ingredient in everything we make.

What We Stand For

The Hangry Joe's Core Values

These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision, every dish, and every interaction at Hangry Joe's.

01

Uncompromising Quality

We raise the bar every day. From sourcing ingredients to plating each order, quality is non-negotiable at hangry joe's.

02

Genuine Hospitality

Every guest who walks through our door deserves to feel at home — welcome, seen, and well-fed. That's just how we do things.

03

Continuous Innovation

We honor the tradition of Nashville hot chicken while always exploring new flavors, preparations, and ways to delight our guests.

04

Team Respect & Growth

Our team is our family. We invest in people, celebrate wins together, and create an environment where everyone can thrive and grow.

Inside Hangry Joe's restaurant — our welcoming dining space

Our Hermitage Home

3883 Lebanon Pike — where great chicken happens daily

Our Journey

The Hangry Joe's Timeline

From a backyard passion project to Hermitage's favorite hot chicken destination — here's how we got here.

2019

The First Spark

Joe begins experimenting with Nashville-style hot chicken recipes in his home kitchen. Weekend pop-ups at the Lebanon Pike neighborhood attract a growing crowd of loyal fans hungry for bold, fiery flavors.

2020

Opening Day at Hermitage

Hangry Joe's officially opens at 3883 Lebanon Pike in Hermitage, TN. Despite the challenging climate, the community rallies and lines stretch out the door on opening weekend — validating every hour of preparation.

2021

Expanding the Menu

The hangry joe's hot chicken lineup grows to include tenders, sandwiches, and signature sides. The iconic "Nuclear" heat level is introduced — beloved by thrill-seekers and spice fanatics across Tennessee.

2022

Nashville's Best Recognition

Hangry Joe's earns recognition as one of Nashville's top hot chicken destinations. Featured in regional food publications, the brand's reputation for authentic flavor and quality spreads well beyond Hermitage.

2023

Catering & Community

Hangry Joe's launches a full catering program for corporate events, weddings, and community gatherings. The team also begins an active community sponsorship initiative supporting local youth sports programs in Davidson County.

2024 & Beyond

The Next Chapter

With over 50,000 guests served and a 4.8-star community rating, Hangry Joe's is expanding its reach. New menu innovations, an enhanced online ordering experience, and exciting plans for the future are on the horizon.

The Crew

Meet the People Behind
Hangry Joe's

Our team is the heart of everything we do. Every great plate of hangry joe's hot chicken starts with these dedicated, passionate individuals.

Joe Harrington

Founder & Pitmaster

The original hangry joe himself. Joe's obsession with Nashville hot chicken and years of recipe refinement turned a backyard dream into Hermitage's most beloved chicken spot.

Maria Santos

Head Chef

With 12 years in professional kitchens, Maria brings precision and creativity to every dish. She oversees menu development and makes sure every plate meets the Hangry Joe's standard.

Marcus Webb

Operations Manager

Marcus keeps the engine running smoothly. From inventory management to staff training, he ensures every shift at Hangry Joe's runs like a well-oiled — and well-seasoned — machine.

Tanya Brooks

Guest Experience Lead

Tanya's warmth and attention to detail sets the tone for every guest interaction. She makes sure each visit to Hangry Joe's leaves a lasting, positive impression that keeps people coming back.

Love food and great people? We're always looking for passionate team members to join the Hangry Joe's family.

View Open Positions

Hungry After Reading Our Story?

Now you know the passion that goes into every plate. Come taste it for yourself — hangry joe's hot chicken is waiting for you at 3883 Lebanon Pike.