Andrew Mellman wrote:Prince's in Nashville opened in 1945. Popeyes opened in 1972. Indi's opened in 1982!
True, the proliferation is more recent, but the concept is strong!
Good point, Andrew. You could add Bojangles in 1977 also. But wait! Popeye's, Bojangles, Indi's (and Chicken King, too) aren't Nashville hot chicken, are they? I agree that it's a distinction without much difference – put white bread under the chicken to catch the bright-red drippings – but wouldn't you say that the trend we're talking about is Nashville hot chicken outside Nashville, not the more enduring southern-style spicy chicken?