Our Story

About Hangry Joe's

Hangry Joe's is the home of hangry joes hot chicken — bold flavors, fiery heat, and a passion for feeding people who demand more than ordinary. Born in the heartland of the United States, we've been turning up the heat since day one.

2018
Founded
50K+
Happy Customers
12+
Menu Items
5
Heat Levels
hangry joes hot chicken restaurant interior with vibrant atmosphere
6+ Years of Flavor
How It Started

The Story Behind Hangry Joe's

It all started with a craving that couldn't be satisfied. Joe — a self-taught pitmaster and lifelong spice fanatic — was tired of settling for bland, forgettable chicken. He believed the United States deserved a hangry joes experience that was as bold as its people: unapologetic, fiery, and deeply satisfying.

In 2018, Joe converted a small kitchen in Franklin, Indiana into a hot chicken lab. Night after night, he tested spice blends, perfected his brine, and dialed in the crunch. Word spread fast. Lines formed before the doors opened. A local legend was born.

"Food should make you feel something — whether it's warmth, excitement, or that beautiful burn that keeps you coming back for more. That's the hangry joe's promise."
— Joe, Founder

Today, Hangry Joe's serves thousands of guests across the United States, delivering the same handcrafted quality and signature heat that started it all. Every piece of chicken is seasoned, soaked, and fried to perfection — because we believe great food is never an accident.

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What Drives Us

Mission & Vision

At Hangry Joe's, every decision we make — from sourcing to seasoning — is guided by a simple belief: food should be extraordinary.

Our Mission

To deliver boldly seasoned, handcrafted hot chicken that ignites passion in every bite — made fresh, served fast, and never compromised. We exist to feed the hangry joe's in all of us.

Our Vision

To become the most beloved hot chicken destination in the United States — a place where flavor is king, quality is non-negotiable, and every guest leaves feeling fueled and fired up.

Our Promise

Real ingredients. Real heat. Real people. We promise to always put our guests first, keep our standards high, and never serve anything we wouldn't eat ourselves. That's the Hangry Joe's guarantee.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

These values aren't just words on a wall — they shape every sandwich, every interaction, and every decision at hangry joe's hot chicken.

Quality First

We never cut corners. Every batch is made with the freshest ingredients and the same care as the very first day.

Community Love

We're proud to be rooted in Franklin, IN and connected to communities across the United States through great food.

Fresh Ingredients

No shortcuts. No frozen mystery meat. Just fresh, responsibly sourced chicken prepared in-house every single day.

Bold Flavors

We embrace heat, complexity, and big taste. Mild or nuclear — every level is crafted with intention and expertise.

Integrity

Honest pricing, transparent ingredients, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience — every time.

Innovation

We're always exploring new flavors, new sides, and new ways to make the hangry joe's hot chicken experience even better.

Guest Joy

Your satisfaction is our scorecard. We celebrate every happy face, every repeat order, every five-star review.

Food Safety

Every kitchen practice, every preparation step, follows the highest food safety standards — no exceptions, no excuses.

Our Journey

Hangry Joe's History

From a fiery idea in a small kitchen to a beloved destination for hangry joes fans across the United States — here's how our story unfolded.

2018
The Beginning

Kitchen Lab Opens

Joe converts his home kitchen in Franklin, Indiana into a spice laboratory. After three months of testing over 40 spice blends, the original Hangry Joe's hot chicken recipe is born.

2019
First Location

Hangry Joe's Opens Doors

Our first brick-and-mortar location opens at 200 Paris Dr, Franklin, IN. Lines form before opening on day one. The city of Franklin embraces hangry joe's hot chicken with open arms — and open mouths.

2020
Going Digital

Online Ordering Launches

We launched our online ordering platform, making it easier than ever to get that fiery crunch delivered straight to your door. Orders double within the first two months of going live.

2021
Recognition

Best Hot Chicken Award

Hangry Joe's is named one of the top hot chicken restaurants in the region by multiple food critics and local media. The "Nuclear" heat level gains a cult following across social media platforms.

2022
Menu Expansion

New Menu Items Added

We expanded the menu to include loaded fries, signature sauces, and family combo platters — ensuring there's something for everyone at the Hangry Joe's table, regardless of heat tolerance.

2024
Milestone

50,000 Happy Customers

We celebrate serving over 50,000 satisfied customers across the United States. Catering services officially launch, bringing the hangry joe's hot chicken experience to events, parties, and corporate gatherings.

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The People Behind The Heat

Meet Our Team

Every great meal starts with a great team. Our crew is passionate, skilled, and obsessed with making your Hangry Joe's experience unforgettable.

Joe, Founder and Head Chef of Hangry Joe's hot chicken

Joe Harrington

Founder & Head Chef

The original hangry joe himself. With over 15 years of culinary passion and a fearless approach to spice, Joe created the recipe that started a movement.

Maria, Operations Director at Hangry Joe's

Maria Santos

Operations Director

Maria keeps the Hangry Joe's engine running smoothly. With a background in hospitality management, she ensures every guest experience is seamless and memorable.

Marcus, Executive Chef of Hangry Joe's hot chicken kitchen

Marcus Webb

Executive Chef

A classically trained chef with a Southern soul, Marcus brings culinary artistry to every recipe iteration, menu expansion, and quality control process at Hangry Joe's.

Leah, Marketing Lead at Hangry Joe's restaurant brand

Leah Kimura

Marketing Lead

Leah tells the Hangry Joe's story to the world. A creative force with a love for authentic brand building, she's the reason our fiery personality shines on every platform.

Want to join our passionate team?

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Hangry Joe's restaurant interior showing warm ambiance and dining area
Ready to Taste the Heat?

Your First Bite Awaits

Now that you know the story behind hangry joe's hot chicken — it's time to taste it. Order online or visit us in Franklin, IN today.

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Find Us
200 Paris Dr, Franklin, IN 46131, USA
Call Us
+1 463-222-0310
Email Us
[email protected]