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Some Like it Hot
Joella’s Hot Chicken is Hamburg’s newest Hot Spot
The largest hot chicken restaurant brand in the United States has opened its 18th location in the Hamburg area of Lexington.
Joella’s Hot Chicken isn’t new to Lexington’s food scene. The first Lexington location opened on Cochran Road in Chevy Chase about five years ago. It was the second ever location, following the flagship store in Louisville.
General Manager Joshua Tudor is transferring from the Cochran Road location to take on the challenge of opening a new store in a familiar market. Originally from Lexington, Tudor is most excited to spread the gospel of hot chicken.
Expanding in Lexington was always on Joella’s radar, it was just a matter of finding the right time and place. The new Joella’s has found a home in the former Blaze Pizza. The roughly 2,000 square foot restaurant features patio seating and an interior mural.
For most of 2020, Joella’s focused on spreading their wings (so to speak) in familiar markets. “Expanding in our current markets is really fun because we already have people there who know us. From the get-go you already have this passion and fan base built in. That’s fun and special for us to see,” says Katie Wollrich, chief marketing officer of Joella’s.
With pre-covid plans altered due to the pandemic, progress was paused on the location for much of 2020. Joella’s pivoted, like many businesses did, with adjusted store hours, streamlined menu items, and discounted and donated meals. Most notably, the brand introduced limited time menu offerings that have turned into permanent menu items.
The “Family Pack” gives families a creative way to switch up their dinner routine. “We found that when we offered something a little different during the pandemic, our loyal fans were eager to try something new and break out of the routine they’ve been in,” says Wollrich.
More highly requested came the “Heat Variety Pack,” which allows customers to try Joella’s six different heat levels in one meal.
Wollrich tells us the number one question new customers have is what level of heat they should order for their hot chicken. Joella’s offers six unique heat levels — from Southern with no heat; Spiked Honey with some twang; Ella’s Fav; Tweener; Hot; and Fire-in Da-Hole, which is said to be worthy of a waiver.
“Hot chicken is always an experience, but finding a way to keep making food fun. That’s what it should be,” says Wollrich. “It gives people a really fun way to try all the heat levels, experience the differences, and find their favorite.”
“For people who don’t know what hot chicken is, I would tell people don’t be scared. It really is about flavor and variety and not only about heat,” says Wollrich.
Joella’s is located at 2305 Sir Barton Way. Patio dining, carry-out, and delivery available.
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This article also appears on page 11 of the December 2020 print edition of Hamburg Journal.
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