Nashville Hot Chicken is one of the spiciest and trendiest foods out right now. The combo of spices, peppers, and juices has everyone breathing flames. Everywhere you turn, a new chicken spot is offering the devilish meal. Tampa is getting it’s first Nashville Hot Chicken joint in a couple weeks with King of the Coop. Owner Joe Dodd, also of the restaurant/food truck Soul Food Street Kitchen, is opening the spot in Seminole Heights.

I met up with Joe while King of the Coop is slowly coming together for its opening later this month. Get a peek of what he’s bringing to the city:

“We are less than one week away from the debut of King of the Coop, a Nashville hot chicken joint coming to Seminole Heights.

You may recognize the name from the menu of former Armature Works’ resident, Soul Food Street Kitchen.

Since the chicken sandwich was one of the most popular items, it has become the namesake of owner Joe Dodd’s latest concept.

“We sold so many of those sandwiches. My partner and I would show up to food truck rallies and get pounded with orders one after another,” Dodd recalls.

Incorporating the growing Nashville hot chicken trend, King of the Coop is set to nest at 6607 N. Florida Avenue, formerly home to Hey Giant. 

A word of advice: Don’t touch your face when eating — otherwise it won’t be pretty.

During their time at Armature Works, Dodd began putting plans together for the eatery this past February. 

Their next-door neighbor will be Florida Avenue Eats, another newbie on the scene. 

King of the Coop will be able to seat 20, in the 1,000-square-foot restaurant.

Luckily, the Coop shares backyard space with Florida Avenue Eats and will feature a few picnic tables providing some outdoor seating for both concepts.

“I really wanted to build a community spot where people can come in and it’s nothing fancy; we’re just doing fried chicken. Just good vibes and good food like everywhere else on Florida Avenue,” he says.”

Get some of the hot chicken next week when King of the Coop opens next week. To learn more about King of the Coop and what they’re bringing to the city, click here to read the rest of the article.