Joe Morales
Founder & Head ChefThe man behind the heat. Joe's obsession with spice and technique built hangry joes from a backyard dream into Philadelphia's hottest chicken spot.
Our Story
About Hangry Joe's
Hangry joes started with a bold idea: bring Nashville-style hot chicken to the heart of Philadelphia, made with real passion, real heat, and real soul. We've been serving happiness one crispy piece at a time.
10+
Years of Bold Flavor
Who We Are
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The Hangry Joe's Story
Hangry joe's was born in a small South Philly kitchen where founder Joe Morales spent years perfecting his grandmother's spice blend. Frustrated by the lack of truly bold, fearless chicken in the city, he decided to do something about it — and Hangry Joe's was ignited.
What began as a weekend pop-up at local markets quickly grew into a full-blown obsession. Word spread fast: this was hangry joe's hot chicken — nothing watered down, nothing compromised. Today, our flagship location on S 20th St in Philadelphia is a neighborhood institution, drawing loyal fans and first-timers alike.
We source our ingredients from trusted local farmers, hand-brine every bird overnight, and coat each piece in our signature spice paste with five levels of heat — from "Country (No Heat)" to "Reaper (Extremely Hot)". Every order is made fresh to order, because that's the only way we know how.
50K+
Customers Served
5
Heat Levels
#1
Philly Hot Chicken
100%
Fresh, Daily Made
What We Stand For
Our Mission & Core Values
At Hangry Joe's, every decision — from how we season our chicken to how we treat our team — is guided by a set of values we hold deeply.
Uncompromising Flavor
We never cut corners. Every spice blend is made from scratch, every bird hand-brined. Bold flavor is our non-negotiable standard.
Local Sourcing
We partner with Pennsylvania farms and local suppliers to keep our ingredients fresh, ethical, and community-rooted. Philly first, always.
Community First
We're a neighborhood joint — not a chain. We support local events, sponsor youth programs, and give back to the community that made us.
Made with Passion
Our kitchen runs on love — for food, for craft, and for the people we serve. Every plate carries the energy and intention of our whole team.
Our Journey
How We Got Here
From a backyard kitchen to Philadelphia's most-loved hot chicken spot — every milestone fueled our fire.
2014
The Spark Ignites
Joe Morales perfects his grandmother's spice recipe after two years of experimentation. Friends and family can't get enough — the idea for hangry joes is born in a South Philly rowhouse kitchen.
2016
Pop-Up Sensation
Hangry Joe's launches as a weekend pop-up at Reading Terminal Market. Lines stretch around the block within the first month. A local food blog calls it "the most exciting thing to happen to Philly chicken — ever."
2018
Brick & Mortar Opens
After two years of saving and searching, Hangry Joe's opens its flagship restaurant at 28 S 20th St, Philadelphia. The hangry joe's hot chicken menu debuts with five signature heat levels and sides made from scratch daily.
2020
Pivoting Through Challenge
When dine-in closes, Hangry Joe's launches curbside pickup and contactless delivery — becoming one of Philly's top-rated delivery spots. The community rallies around us, and we rally right back.
2022
Awards & Recognition
Hangry Joe's is named "Best Hot Chicken in Philadelphia" by Philadelphia Magazine. We're featured in The Inquirer and on a national food travel show — putting us firmly on the map.
2024 & Beyond
The Fire Keeps Burning
With 50,000+ customers served, an expanded menu, and a devoted team, hangry joes continues to push the heat boundaries. New seasonal specials, catering services, and community events keep things sizzling.
Meet the Team
The People Behind the Heat
Hangry Joe's is built on talent, hustle, and a shared love for exceptional food. Meet the passionate crew that makes every meal unforgettable.
Maria Santos
Operations ManagerMaria keeps the engine running. From supplier relationships to floor logistics, her sharp eye ensures every customer experience is seamless and memorable.
DeShawn Carter
Culinary InnovationDeShawn pushes boundaries. He's the creative force behind our seasonal specials, new heat-level experiments, and the ever-evolving sides menu that keeps guests coming back.
Priya Nair
Customer ExperiencePriya is the warmth behind every visit. She leads front-of-house operations with a passion for hospitality that transforms first-time guests into lifelong regulars.
Ready to Taste?
Come Experience Hangry Joe's
Whether you're a heat seeker or a first-timer, hangry joes has a flavor level made just for you. Come taste what Philadelphia is talking about.