We’re Fired Up For Fiery Hen!

Downtown Cincinnati is no stranger to up and coming restaurants. It seems like every month there is something new- and we’re certainly not complaining about it! When we heard Dan Swormstedt, owner of Court Street Lobster, was launching a new restaurant centered around Nashville hot chicken, we were all over it! We sat down with Dan and chef Clint Walker to talk all things chicken and more…

Welcome to the Fiery Hen

Photo Credit: Sam Greenhill

Fiery Hen 1/2 Bird- Photo Credit: Sam Greenhill

So where does the concept of a Nashville hot chicken restaurant in the heart of Cincinnati come from? Glad you asked! :) Dan happened to be in Nashville for a Bengals vs. Titans game when he received a call from the building landlord where Court Street Lobster is located. The space next door was coming available and they were giving him first dibs at occupying the space. He happened to be eating at a hot chicken restaurant with his father at the time, which birthed the idea of opening one in Cincinnati. That sounds like fate to us! After spending 36 hours building his business plan, the concept, which was also influenced by his Southern roots (he still has family in the South), was finalized!

In most downtown Cincinnati restaurants, there is not much space to accommodate large groups, but this was a major part of what Dan was striving for. He wanted Fiery Hen to have a family feel with the staff knowing the guests. He experienced this in Nashville and wanted to set himself apart with the same family-friendly dynamic. We can tell you, he did just that. There is enough space for groups of coworkers, friends, family, etc. to come in, sit at a big table, eat/drink, watch sports, etc. You feel a part of a close community as soon as you walk in. They have only been opened for a few weeks yet the crowd, ranging from 8 months to 92, is already loving it! The design of the restaurant allows many to enjoy the experience together. Having delicious food options at an affordable price helps keep people coming back for more. 

Photo Credit: Sam Greenhill

Their robust menu certainly helps as well. Anyone can add hot chicken as a menu item, but what about alternative options? Don’t get us wrong, their hot chicken is perfectly seasoned and tender, but Chef Clint Walker wanted a menu that focused on all of the items our family’s taught us to make growing up. When you have a background like Clint’s, you can certainly be trusted with full reign over the menu. At 15, he moved out of his parent’s home and got a job as a dishwasher. To his surprise, he was moved to the food line three weeks later. This sparked a fire that couldn’t be tamed. Over the years, he taught himself as much as he could, as he didn’t have the money to learn professionally. He surrounded himself with good people, which led him to work in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the city. Thank goodness he and Dan met. They showcased how great of a pair they were at Court Street Lobster and are off to a great start with Fiery Hen. When you add in General Manager Curtis Fowler,  the trio is one to beat! 

The team wanted to have something for everyone as well as having great sides. After four month’s of research, they have developed a unique and tasty menu with many unexpected items. In additional to hot chicken, you can also order items such as the chicken tenders, the fried catfish sandwich, the messy chips, the burger, grit cakes, and many more. They won best mac n cheese in the city at Court Street and are trying to beat themselves with Fiery Hen’s mac. Now how’s that for friendly competition ;) . Although the menu is now pretty set, they will have specials and a fried green tomato sandwich for vegetarians. Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-3pm will soon be offered, following the Super Bowl. You will see their Fiery Hen staples as well as other Southern specialities like shrimp and grits, chicken with a cornbread waffle, and twists on your traditional bloody mary.

We asked the crew what was one thing people should know about Fiery Hen. Their collective response was they want people to know they’re doing food from everywhere, but with hospitality. Cincinnati has some of the most welcoming individuals. They want to you feel the warmth of family as you dine in. The motto of “one team one sound” rings true from the team to the guest experiences.

They truly are offering us “Southern Spicy Cincy Charm”

Photo Credit: Sam Greenhill