Auburn Exterior Rendering Scaled Alabama, Auburn, Food, Hattie B'S, Opening — Rendering of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken’s upcoming Auburn location, opening in 2026. (Hattie B’s / Alison Stewart)

Big news for the Plains! Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is officially bringing its famous Nashville spice to downtown Auburn.

The fast-casual favorite known for crispy fried chicken and bold flavor will open in summer 2026 at 121 N College St, taking over the former Tiger Theater building across from Toomer’s Drugs.

What we know

The upcoming restaurant will hold special meaning for the Bishop family, the father-and-son duo behind Hattie B’s. Both have ties to Auburn University, making this expansion a true homecoming.

“It’s a special feeling to bring Hattie B’s to a town that holds so many fond memories for our family. We can’t wait to serve a lot of chicken, pour some cold beers and roll all of the trees next year in ‘The Loveliest Village on the Plains.’ War Eagle!”
Nick Bishop Jr., Co-founder of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Founders Nick Bishop Sr. Nick Bishop Jr Alabama, Auburn, Food, Hattie B'S, Opening — Founders Nick Bishop Sr. + Nick Bishop Jr. (Hattie B’s)

For Nick Bishop Sr., who graduated from Auburn in 1976, the project feels like bringing the brand back where it belongs.

“We are incredibly excited about opening in a city we hold dear and in a treasured local landmark across from campus near Toomer’s Drugs. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
Nick Bishop Sr., Co-founder of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

The Bishops say the design will celebrate the building’s history as a theater while introducing the warm, welcoming atmosphere Hattie B’s fans know and love. The space will span 3,685 square feet, including a 2,923-square-foot dining room with seating for 72 guests and a 762-square-foot covered patio for 52 more.

Auburn Interior Rendering Alabama, Auburn, Food, Hattie B'S, Opening — Interior rendering of Hattie B’s Auburn dining room. (Hattie B’s / Alison Stewart)

Auburn Patio Rendering Alabama, Auburn, Food, Hattie B'S, Opening — Interior rendering of Hattie B’s Auburn dining room. (Hattie B’s / Alison Stewart)

With a prime location near campus, the new restaurant will blend nostalgia with fresh energy. Students, alumni and locals will soon have another spot to grab a bite, celebrate game days or enjoy a late lunch on the patio.

What’s on the menu

The Auburn location will feature all of Hattie B’s crowd favorites including jumbo chicken tenders, wings and the fried or grilled chicken sandwich served on a toasted bun with coleslaw, Nashville comeback sauce and kosher pickles.

Fans can customize their spice level, ranging from mild and medium to classic Nashville Hot and two fiery options. Those who prefer no heat can choose Southern style or the Sweet & Smoky dry rub.

Chicken Sandwich 1 Alabama, Auburn, Food, Hattie B'S, Opening — Hattie B’s signature fried chicken sandwich with Nashville comeback sauce. (Hattie B’s)

The menu will also include Hattie B’s newest addition, The Southern Salad, along with traditional Southern sides like pimento mac and cheese, potato salad and collard greens. For dessert, guests can dig into banana pudding or peach cobbler, a perfect finish to a spicy meal.

Hotchickensides 1 Alabama, Auburn, Food, Hattie B'S, Opening — A classic Hattie B’s Hot Chicken plate with signature Southern sides. (Hattie B’s)

Overhead Spread Alabama, Auburn, Food, Hattie B'S, Opening — A classic Hattie B’s Hot Chicken plate with signature Southern sides. (Hattie B’s)

A growing Alabama favorite

The Auburn restaurant will become Hattie B’s third Alabama location, joining the Birmingham location that opened in 2016 and the Huntsville restaurant expected to open later this year.

From Nashville to Auburn, Hattie B’s has built a loyal following for its crispy chicken, signature heat scale and Southern hospitality. Its arrival in downtown Auburn is another milestone for the family-run brand that started in Tennessee and has since become a Southern staple.

Once doors open, Auburn locals and visitors alike will have a new place to grab a bite, share a laugh and soak up that Southern charm Hattie B’s is known for.

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