Our Story

About Hangry Joe's — Brooklyn's Boldest Hot Chicken

Hangry Joe's started with one obsession: crafting hangry joes-style hot chicken so fiery, so flavor-packed, that Brooklyn would never look at fried chicken the same way again. From our humble beginnings on W 8th St to becoming a neighborhood institution, every bite carries our passion for real heat and genuine flavor.

Hangry Joe's hot chicken preparation in Brooklyn kitchen

2018 Est. Brooklyn

Years Serving Brooklyn

40K+

Happy Customers

30+

Menu Items

Heat Levels

Inside Hangry Joe's restaurant in Brooklyn, New York

W 8th Brooklyn, NY

Where It All Began

The Hangry Joe's Story

Hangry Joe's was born in 2018 from a simple but powerful truth: Brooklyn deserved a hot chicken spot that didn't hold back. Founder Joe Morales grew up in a household where food was love — and heat was non-negotiable. After years of perfecting his secret cayenne-and-spice blend in a home kitchen, he took the leap, rented a tiny space on W 8th Street, and opened the doors to what would become a Brooklyn landmark.

The first week, the line stretched around the block. Word spread fast that hangry joe's hot chicken was something different — brined for 24 hours, hand-battered to order, fried to a shattering crisp, then coated in a signature heat paste ranging from "Southern Classic" to the legendary "Hellfire" level that only the bravest dare attempt.

Today, Hangry Joe's serves thousands of guests every month, but the recipe, the process, and the passion remain exactly as Joe first envisioned them: uncompromising, bold, and deeply Brooklyn.

View Menu Order Now

What We Stand For

Our Mission & Values

At Hangry Joe's, everything we do is guided by a set of core principles that keep us honest, hungry, and always improving.

Bold Flavor First

We never dilute our heat or our flavor. Every recipe is crafted to deliver the most intense, satisfying experience on your plate — no compromises, no shortcuts.

Fresh Ingredients

We source locally wherever possible. Our chicken is delivered fresh daily, our produce never frozen, and our spice blends are ground in-house every morning.

Community Roots

Brooklyn isn't just where we operate — it's who we are. We invest in local hiring, support neighborhood events, and treat every customer like a neighbor.

Unmatched Quality

From the first brine to the final plate, quality is non-negotiable. We hold every order to the same standard whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth.

How We Got Here

Our History

Six years of fire, flavor, and growth — here's how Hangry Joe's became what it is today.

2018

The Doors Open

Joe Morales opens the first Hangry Joe's location at 2875 W 8th St, Brooklyn with a six-item menu and a line around the block on opening night. The "Hellfire" level debuts and immediately goes viral on local food blogs.

2019

Brooklyn's Best Hot Chicken

Brooklyn Magazine names Hangry Joe's the #1 hot chicken spot in the borough. The team expands to 12 staff members and the menu grows to 20+ items including the fan-favorite Nashville Tenders and Spicy Slaw Sandwich.

2020

Adapting & Thriving

Faced with unprecedented challenges, Hangry Joe's launches a seamless online ordering system and contactless curbside pickup. Community support surges and the restaurant delivers over 5,000 free meals to essential workers across Brooklyn.

2021

Catering & Events Launch

Hangry Joe's officially launches catering services for private events, corporate lunches, and weddings across New York City. The catering arm quickly becomes one of the most sought-after food experiences in the five boroughs.

2023

40,000 Customers Served

Hangry Joe's celebrates serving its 40,000th unique customer. A full kitchen renovation modernizes the prep area, cutting order times by 30% while preserving every ounce of the original flavor. The hangry joe's hot chicken sandwich wins a New York food award.

2024

Growing the Legend

Hangry Joe's launches its updated digital presence, introduces new seasonal menu items, and continues to double down on the ingredients and techniques that made hangry joes a Brooklyn institution. The next chapter is just getting started.

The People Behind the Heat

Meet the Team

Every great meal starts with great people. Our team brings passion, craft, and Brooklyn grit to everything we do.

Joe Morales

Founder & Head Chef

Brooklyn-born and kitchen-raised, Joe spent 15 years perfecting his hot chicken recipe before opening Hangry Joe's in 2018. His signature heat paste is still a closely guarded secret.

Maria Santos

Operations Manager

Maria keeps every service running like clockwork. With a background in restaurant management across NYC, she ensures every customer walks out satisfied every single time.

Devon King

Sous Chef

Devon trained at culinary school in Atlanta — the spiritual home of hot chicken — before joining Hangry Joe's in 2020. He leads R&D on every new menu item and seasonal special.

Tanya Brooks

Guest Experience Lead

Tanya is the first face you see and the reason you come back. Her energy and genuine warmth have made Hangry Joe's feel like home to thousands of regulars since she joined in 2019.

Want to join the team? We're always looking for passionate people.

View Open Positions Order Now

Ready to Experience It?

Taste What Hangry Joe's Is All About

You've heard the story. You've seen the team. Now it's time to taste the legend. Order our hangry joe's hot chicken today and find out why Brooklyn can't stop talking about us.

Order Now View Menu