Steve Mallard is introducing a new concept inspired by his childhood, offering comforting Southern dishes with a modern twist. Opening his quick-service restaurant at Atlanta’s Halidom Eatery, Mallard has teamed up with celebrity Chef Aleen to bring the concept to life.
Highlights
- Steve Mallard’s King’s Chicken prepares for the launch of its first location.
- The first location will open inside Atlanta’s Halidom Eatery, with plans to expand to more than 20 freestanding locations across the Southeast by 2028.
- The concept brings to life Mallard’s childhood through comforting Southern food.
King’s Chicken Prepares to Open Its First Location in Atlanta

Launching the quick service restaurant, King’s Chicken at Halidom Eatery, he brings comforting Southern food with a modern twist. Working alongside celebrity Chef Aleen, Mallard has developed a menu that blends Southern nostalgia with chef-driven flavors.
King’s Chicken is ready to launch on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The restaurant will open at Halidom Eatery, which is a premier food hall in Atlanta. The distinctive pink building will lay the foundation for the brand’s expansion plans over the next several years.
Revised Family Recipes Hit the Menu
Founder Steve Mallard expresses that this brand is a reflection of his childhood memories. It draws from memories of his mother bringing home hot meals after work, a tradition that inspired the restaurant’s menu.
Mallard’s recipes have been elevated to another level with Chef Aleen’s creativity. The result is a menu that blends nostalgic Southern flavors with modern culinary techniques. Chef Aleen will also lead the kitchen at Halidom Eatery to set the tone for the store, ensuring the flavors are delivered right.
Visitors can enjoy an all-day entree menu featuring fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, mains, sides, and desserts. Meanwhile, a Chicken N Waffle Cake will be available for $9.99 with a side of fries for $2.99. The menu includes various options to choose from, serving the perfect meal to anyone who visits.
The sides include collards inspired by Mallard’s uncle. The Mom’s home-style potato salad cannot be missed. Dessert options include a Mint Lemonade Slushie, Cherry Slushie, and Southern-style chocolate cake.
Expansion Plans Ahead

The brand is ready to make its debut in Atlanta’s Halidom Eatery, but this is just the beginning. King’s Chicken plans a major Southeast expansion, with more than 20 locations slated to open by 2028. The brand has already made plans for more than twenty freestanding locations rolling out through 2028. It also includes drive-thru models, which are sure to be popular.
With the opening of this location, the brand is already looking forward to opening five new locations in the South. The team emphasizes community, hospitality, and quality as it prepares for future growth in the region.