Popular Nashville-based hot chicken franchise adding third Alabama location

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is officially carving out its next home in Alabama, and the brand is choosing a classic piece of Auburn history to make its mark.

A New Life for the Tiger Theatre

The expansion reached a key milestone this week as the Auburn City Council greenlit a liquor license for the restaurant. The franchise is set to occupy the former home of the legendary Tiger Theatre at 121 N. College St. The iconic venue, which served the community from 1928 to 1997 and was known for its signature neon marquee, will now be repurposed to house the popular chicken chain.

Auburn City Councilman Sonny Moreman expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting that the restaurant is a family-owned business and a great fit for the area. "It’s nice to see the Tiger Theatre wasn’t torn down, that we’re using it for another business, and that it’s going to be with us a little longer," Moreman said.

When first announced last year, plans for the site included a 3,685-square-foot footprint featuring a large dining room and a 762-square-foot covered patio.

Growing the Alabama Footprint

This upcoming Auburn site marks the third Alabama location for the Nashville-based powerhouse. Hattie B’s first made its mark outside of Tennessee by opening in Birmingham back in 2016, followed by an expansion into Huntsville last year.

What’s on the Menu

Known for delivering a serious kick, the menu offers a heat scale ranging from "Southern" for those who prefer no heat to the intense "shut the cluck up!!!" spice level. Diners can order their chicken as a sandwich with a side, or choose from plates featuring white meat, dark meat, wings, or tenders served with two sides.

The restaurant’s signature sides and snacks include Southern greens, pimento mac-and-cheese, bacon cheddar grits, fried pickles, French fries, baked beans, coleslaw, red-skin potato salad, and black-eyed pea salad. Stay tuned to 205focus.com for more updates on this exciting downtown addition.