As some restaurants are feeling the heat of challenging times, America’s Dinner Table is turning up the heat with the launch of Shoney’s Nashville Hot Chicken and industry followers think the timing and direction are right given the situation and current consumer preferences.

Following a test run that exceeded its own high expectations for taste of product, purchase intent and, of course, value, the Nashville-based family dining icon will put fire where its guests’ mouths are, adding Shoney’s Nashville Hot Chicken to its All You Care To East Fresh Food Bar and/or its Comfort Classics Meals. The Nashville Hot Chicken Comfort Classics Meal is served with macaroni & cheese, seasoned green beans and a cornbread muffin for $7.99. The type of serving options are subject to local health department guidelines for serve-yourself food offerings.

Industry experts report that even through the crisis, consumers still crave chicken, especially hot chicken, based on product loyalty, and for lack of a better-known sentiment: poultry travels well and beef does not.

Grubhub reports spikes in spicy chicken sales in the triple digits as the offering satisfies two key consumer demands: bold flavor and comfort. 

“We hear you America and we’ve been through thick and thin together,” stated Shoney’s Chairman and CEO David Davoudpour. “If we can offer freshly prepared Shoney’s Nashville Hot Chicken with the kind of flavorful heat that only a Nashville-based American icon could bring, we’re doing our part.”

Davoudpour proudly reports his team’s culinary experts have worked non-stop to produce the best Nashville Hot Chicken in the world. Early reviews support his vision:

• “It’s the bomb. I’m from Nashville and have tried it all, this is for real.”
• “The new Shoney’s Nashville Hot Chicken is delicious. I live here and am amazed that a family dining concept can introduce an item that will stand up with specialty restaurants whose sole business is hot chicken.”
• “I grabbed a thigh and must have missed a siren warning or something. My eyes were watering and I drank 3 glasses of water. Yet, it’s more about the flavor than the heat. The heat will get your attention, but the flavor will keep it.”
• Shoney’s is always dependable and the best meal for the dollar ever yet this caught me by surprise. I would return to Shoney’s more often with this on the menu. I am proud of them for stepping up, recognizing a guest need and delivering a product that exceeds all expectations.”