Hattie B's Will Open in Wicker Park on October 28
The Nashville hot chicken chain will expand into the former Urbanbelly storefront at 1542 N. Damen Ave.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Dining Out
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Hattie B's Hot Chicken will debut its second Chicago location in Wicker Park on October 28. The restaurant will occupy the space previously held by Urbanbelly at 1542 N. Damen Ave.
Why it matters
This expansion marks the continued growth of the Nashville-based chain in Chicago following its initial city launch in Wrigleyville earlier this year. The brand plans to further increase its local footprint with a River North location scheduled for next year.
The new Wicker Park location features both indoor and patio seating. Customers can purchase a special collaboration pizza with Paulie Gee's for $37 per pie or $5 per slice from October 16-31, with proceeds benefiting No Kid Hungry.
The players
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
A Nashville-based restaurant chain known for its signature hot chicken.
Paulie Gee's Wicker Park
A Chicago-based pizzeria that is collaborating on a limited-run menu item.
Urbanbelly
A former restaurant occupant at the 1542 N. Damen Ave. location.
The details
To celebrate the Wicker Park arrival, Hattie B's is partnering with Paulie Gee's to offer a limited-run collaboration pizza. The restaurant aims to build on its local presence after previously hosting a pop-up at Dove's Luncheonette in 2019.
Timeline
2012: Hattie B's was founded in Nashville.
2016: Urbanbelly opened in the Wicker Park neighborhood.
2019: Hattie B's held a pop-up at Dove's Luncheonette.
February 2026: Hattie B's opened its first Chicago location.
October 28, 2026: Hattie B's Wicker Park location opens.
Culture Shift
This move reflects the ongoing trend of popular regional culinary concepts aggressively expanding into major urban food hubs. The chain's growth mirrors a broader shift where iconic regional brands transition into national players via systematic city-by-city rollouts.
Residents in the Wicker Park area gain a new sit-down dining option with both indoor and outdoor seating configurations. Additionally, diners can participate in a short-term charitable initiative by purchasing the collaboration pizza before the end of October.
The takeaway
The arrival of established brands in Wicker Park highlights the neighborhood's status as a high-traffic destination for culinary expansions. Locals can utilize the limited-run pizza collaboration as a way to support No Kid Hungry while experiencing the new menu.
What happens next
A River North location is planned to open next year.
Further reading
Discover more new culinary arrivals and trends in the Chicago Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Block Club Chicago.
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