Hot chicken continues to surge in popularity.
Minnesota-based hot chicken chain Nashville Coop, founded by brothers Arif and Kamal Mohamed, is expanding to Philadelphia. The restaurant plans to open near Temple University by the end of the year, according to The Philadelphia Business Journal.
The chain also plans to launch franchising, with one operator selected to open three locations in Philadelphia and another slated to bring three to Burlington County, New Jersey. Foyshal Ahmed will lead Nashville Coop’s expansion in the Philadelphia market.
Nashville Coop launched as a food truck in April 2020 and has since expanded to four brick-and-mortar locations in Richfield, St. Paul and Minneapolis. The chicken joint will continue its Minnesota growth, with two franchisees opening four additional locations in the North Metro.
With 10 locations in the pipeline, the chain aims to grow to 20 franchised locations by the end of the year.
Nashville Coop gives classic hot chicken an Ethiopian twist, using the founders’ mother’s homemade spice blend. Guests can order the chicken as a sandwich, with waffles, or as tenders served with Texas toast or on their own.
The spice lineup ranges from mild to extreme, starting with MN Nice for no heat, followed by Mini Coop’s sweet-and-smoky blend with a mild kick. Berbere BBQ offers a balanced mix of sweet Southern barbecue flavor and aromatic Ethiopian spices with moderate heat, while Coop delivers the brand’s signature medium spice level. Growlin’ turns up the intensity with a lingering burn for heat lovers, and Cluckin’ Hot tops the lineup with its hottest spice, marketed as a challenge for even the most seasoned chili fans.
The company has not yet announced the locations or an opening date. Visit the Nashville Coop website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
What Now Philadelphia reached out to the team. This article may be updated.
