Hot chicken franchise closes Alabama location only months after opening
The restaurant opened in late October of last year.
Mason Reed 
A staple of the Birmingham dining scene appears to be pulling the plug on its Montgomery expansion. Only months after launching on Commerce Street, the Eugene’s Hot Chicken location seems to have permanently shuttered.
Signs of Departure
As reported by WSFA, the site now displays a "closed today" sign, but the situation appears more final than a daily closure. Reports indicate that furniture and kitchen equipment have already been cleared out of the building. Furthermore, the Montgomery branch has been scrubbed from the company’s official website.
The restaurant originally debuted in late October of last year, marking a significant move for the brand. 205focus.com reached out for comment on the closure, but representatives could not be immediately reached.
A Legacy of Heat
Founded by Zebbie Carney, Eugene’s Hot Chicken evolved from a humble food truck operation in 2015 to a downtown Birmingham brick-and-mortar storefront in 2017. The brand later expanded into Hoover in 2020. The business has earned a reputation for quality, even being highlighted by Eater in 2022 as having some of the best fried chicken in the country.
For more on the rise of this local powerhouse, check out this 205focus.com deep dive into the chef behind the spice.
Despite this setback in Montgomery, the franchise maintains its established presence in the Birmingham metro area with two remaining locations.
