Well, this really sucks.
Hot Chicken Takeover shut down its Clintonville location this week, and I’m still trying to process it. No countdown, no final weekend, no “come grab one last sandwich” promo. Just a heartfelt thank-you post on Wednesday (July 30) just after lunch and then… that was it.
“Clintonville, thank you ❤️
From our first day to our last, you made us feel like family. We’re so grateful for every meal shared and memory made.”
—Hot Chicken Takeover
They said the decision was part of a larger plan to grow with intention and keep their hospitality at the core of everything they do. And while I respect that, and genuinely hope it’s true, I’d be lying if I said this one didn’t sting.
This Was My Hot Chicken Takeover
I know people have mixed feelings about Hot Chicken Takeover these days, and I don’t really agree with many takes I’ve seen online. But I will say this: the Clintonville location meant a lot to me.
It was one of the first places I went after moving to Columbus for college. It’s also where I took my boyfriend on our very first date. We sat outside on the patio, talked for two and a half hours, and watched traffic fly down High Street. I still remember exactly what we ordered and how giddy I felt walking out of there. (Spoiler: the date went well. We’re still together. 😊)
We went back semi–regularly after that, sometimes to eat, sometimes just to sit and catch up and remember where we started. It became a quiet constant in a life that was anything but.
So yeah, this one’s personal.
What’s Next for HCT?
Thankfully, Hot Chicken Takeover isn’t disappearing completely. The brand still has four operating locations in Central Ohio:
- North Market Downtown
- Grandview
- Gahanna
- Westerville
And from the sounds of their post, this wasn’t a failure. Just a shift in priorities, if you will. They said they’re focused on growing “the right way,” which I’m hoping means quality over quantity.
As long as that mission is still at the center, offering second-chance employment, great food, and that signature HCT hospitality, I’ll be cheering them on.
(And ordering that banana pudding every chance I get.)
A Final Farewell
I know it’s just a restaurant. But if you’ve ever had a go-to spot that felt like a part of your routine, or your relationship, you get it. Restaurants mark chapters. They help shape memories. And when one closes, it leaves more than just a gap in your lunch rotation.
So here’s to the Clintonville HCT crew. Thank you for every hot, messy, joyfully spicy bite. For the patio chats, the warm welcomes, and the sweet moments.
You’ll always have a special place in my heart (and my extremely scorched taste buds).
We’re still with you, HCT. Don’t you forget that.
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