Our Story

About Hangry Joe's

From a backyard recipe to Franklin's favorite hot chicken — discover the passion, people, and bold flavors behind hangry joes.

Inside Hangry Joe's restaurant in Franklin, Indiana

2018

Est. Franklin, IN

Who We Are

The Story Behind Hangry Joe's

Hangry Joe's was born in Franklin, Indiana, from one simple truth: great food shouldn't make you wait long, compromise on quality, or empty your wallet. When Joe Hartmann set out to bring authentic Nashville-style hot chicken to the midwest, he didn't just build a restaurant — he created a community gathering place where bold flavors and warm hospitality go hand in hand.

What started as a weekend pop-up in 2018, fueled by a family recipe and a borrowed cast-iron skillet, quickly grew into a local phenomenon. Word spread fast — the hangry joes experience was unlike anything Franklin had tasted before. By 2019, we'd opened our first permanent location on Paris Drive, and hungry customers have been lining up ever since.

Today, Hangry Joe's is proud to serve hundreds of guests every week, offering our signature hangry joe's hot chicken alongside seasonal specials, catering services, and delivery right to your door. Every plate is made with fresh ingredients, hand-seasoned and cooked to order — just the way it should be.

Years Serving

50K+

Happy Guests

30+

Menu Items

4.9

Avg. Rating

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Why We Exist

Our Mission at Hangry Joe's

At hangry joe's, our mission is simple: deliver bold, craveable flavors with genuine hospitality — every single time. We believe food is more than fuel; it's connection, comfort, and a little celebration every day.

Bold Flavors First

Every dish is crafted to deliver an unforgettable taste experience. We never compromise on seasoning, heat, or quality — ever.

Fresh Ingredients

We source locally whenever possible and use only fresh, high-quality ingredients in every plate we serve from our Franklin kitchen.

Community First

Franklin is our home. We give back through local partnerships, events, and a commitment to supporting the community that made us who we are.

Exceptional Service

From your first visit to your hundredth, we treat every guest like family. Our team is trained to make every experience memorable.

What Drives Us

hangry joe's Core Values

Our values aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision we make, every dish we plate, and every interaction we have with our guests and team members at Hangry Joe's.

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Integrity in Every Bite

We're honest about our ingredients, our processes, and our pricing. If it's on the menu, it's made with care and transparency — no shortcuts, no secrets.

Passion-Driven Quality

Every member of our team is genuinely passionate about food and hospitality. That energy comes through in every order, every interaction, every day.

Respect for Everyone

We treat our guests, our team, and our suppliers with equal respect. A great workplace culture means a better experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

Continuous Improvement

We're never content with "good enough." We listen to feedback, refine our recipes, train our team, and innovate our menu to keep delivering the best hangry joes experience possible.

Responsibility to Our Community

From reducing food waste to supporting local farmers and charities, we take our responsibility as a Franklin business seriously and act on it every week.

Our Journey

The Hangry Joe's Story Timeline

From a backyard pop-up to Franklin's most beloved chicken spot — here's how hangry joes grew into the restaurant it is today.

2018

The First Flame

Joe Hartmann hosts his first backyard hot chicken pop-up in Franklin, IN. Using his grandmother's spice blend and a cast-iron skillet, the response is overwhelming — two hundred servings sold out in under three hours.

2019

Our First Location Opens

Hangry Joe's opens its first permanent restaurant at 200 Paris Dr, Franklin, IN. The first week sees a line around the block, and local media quickly dubs it "Franklin's spiciest new obsession."

2020

Adapting & Growing Stronger

When the world went remote, Hangry Joe's launched its delivery and curbside service, reaching more guests than ever. Our community rallied around us and we around them — sales grew 40% online.

2021

Catering & Events Launch

Hangry Joe's officially launches its full catering and private events program, bringing the hangry joe's hot chicken experience to weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings across Indiana.

2023

Menu Expansion & Awards

We expand our menu with new heat levels, plant-based options, and signature sides. Hangry Joe's is named "Best Chicken Restaurant in Johnson County" by local readers for the second consecutive year.

Today

Still Cooking With Heart

Serving 500+ guests weekly, Hangry Joe's continues to grow while staying true to its roots. The same family recipe, the same obsession with quality, the same love for Franklin — only bigger and better.

The People Behind the Food

Meet the Hangry Joe's Team

Our team is our greatest ingredient. Each member brings skill, heart, and a genuine love for great food and great service to every shift.

Founder & Head Chef

Joe Hartmann

The original hangry visionary. Joe brings 15+ years of culinary passion and a family spice recipe that started it all. He personally oversees every menu development cycle.

Operations Manager

Maria Chen

Maria keeps Hangry Joe's running like a perfectly seasoned kitchen. With a background in hospitality management, she ensures every guest experience exceeds expectations.

Executive Line Cook

Marcus Williams

Marcus is the fire in our kitchen — literally. With a love for heat and precision timing, he's responsible for the perfect crunch and bold heat in every Hangry Joe's order.

Guest Experience Lead

Tanya Brooks

Tanya's warmth and energy set the tone for every hangry joes visit. She trains our front-of-house team and leads our catering and community event programs.

Want to join the Hangry Joe's family? We're always looking for passionate people.

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Ready to Taste the Legend?

Experience hangry joe's Hot Chicken Today

Now that you know our story, come taste what all the fuss is about. Order online for pickup or delivery — and discover why thousands of Franklin locals call Hangry Joe's their favorite spot.

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