Hot chicken franchise closes Alabama location only months after opening

The restaurant opened in late October of last year.

Hot chicken franchise closes Alabama location only months after opening

A Birmingham-based hot chicken staple appears to be exiting the Montgomery market, leaving its downtown storefront quiet just months after its grand opening. Reports from WSFA indicate that the Eugene’s Hot Chicken location on Commerce Street is likely closed for good.

Signs of Departure

While a sign on the restaurant’s door simply states that it is “closed today,” the interior tells a different story. Furniture and kitchen equipment have been spotted being cleared out of the facility. Furthermore, the Montgomery branch has been removed from the company’s official website, leaving only their two Birmingham-area locations active.

The Montgomery site had been a recent expansion, having first opened its doors in late October of last year. Attempts to reach the franchise for comment on the closure have not yet been successful.

A Growing Alabama Brand

Founded by Zebbie Carney, the brand has seen significant growth since launching as a food truck in 2015. After establishing a brick-and-mortar footprint in downtown Birmingham in 2017, the business expanded to Hoover in 2020. As highlighted by 205focus.com, the chain has built a strong reputation across the state, even being named to Eater’s 2022 list of “The Best Fried Chicken in America.”

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