Through years of volunteering at soup kitchens and homeless shelters, Joe DeLoss had come to understand how difficult it often was for people who had been incarcerated or experienced homelessness to get back on their feet. Often all they needed was someone to give them an opportunity. When Joe started selling chicken from a pop-up location in 2014, he decided that a part of his business model would be to give people that second chance.. DeLoss now has three brick and mortar locations for his thriving restaurant Hot Chicken Takeover, and his mission to help people in need has continued to grow.
Not everyone who applies for a job at Hot Chicken Takeover is hiredb, but Joe is willing to give everyone a chance. Even if he doesn't think it's a good fit, he will try and refer the applicant to other employers around town who can help. If he does hire someone, though, he invests in them. Hot Chicken Takeover offers their employees training, counseling and both personal and professional development along with a competitive wage and sense of being part of a team. Not everyone works out, but their turnover rate is far lower than other restaurants around town. It seems as though Joe and his crew understand that we all make mistakes and we all deserve a second chance.
I enjoyed my visit to Hot Chicken Takeover, on the second floor of the old North Market in Columbus. I liked the big communal tables and the friendly service. Most of all, though, I liked the chicken. If you followed my journey through Tennessee, you will remember that I am not a fan of Nashville Hot Chicken, which Hot Chicken Takeover is emulating. I don't like the oily nature of it or the spice-just-for-the-sake-of-spice with no flavor. Hot Chicken Takeover's take was still a little oily for my liking, but much more flavorful than anything I've had in Nashville.
It is always great to see a business with a mission based not only on profitability but on giving back to the community. Joe DeLoss is not only turning out the best Nashville style hot chicken I've had, but he's giving people a second chance along the way. Even though I'm still not sold on the style, maybe the next time I'm in Columbus I'll follow their lead and give them a second chance!