Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, a Nashville-based restaurant chain, is set to open a new location in Wicker Park by early 2027. The new site will take over the space at 1542 N. Damen Ave., which has long been occupied by Urbanbelly, next to the Damen Blue Line station.
The expansion follows Hattie B’s recent entry into Chicago with its first city location in Wrigleyville and an upcoming restaurant in River North at 58 E. Ontario St. The brand offers various heat levels for its hot chicken dishes, from no spice to a blend featuring ghost, habanero, and cayenne peppers. Its menu includes jumbo tenders, chicken sandwiches, half-bird platters, and Southern sides such as pimento mac and cheese, collard greens, and bacon-cheddar grits.
Hattie B’s previously held a one-day pop-up event in Wicker Park in 2019 across the street from its future permanent home at Dove’s Luncheonette.
Urbanbelly will close its Wicker Park restaurant later this year as Hattie B’s moves in. However, Cornerstone Restaurant Group stated that Urbanbelly plans to relocate elsewhere. Chef Bill Kim opened Urbanbelly in the neighborhood in 2016, serving ramen, dumplings, and other Asian street food dishes. Last year, Urbanbelly began sharing space with Discourse Coffee.
Kim launched the first Urbanbelly in Avondale in 2008 before moving it to the West Loop. The brand also operated at Timeout Market in the West Loop until it closed this year. A spokesperson said Kim was not available for further comment on Thursday.
“After 10 wonderful years in the Wicker Park community, Urbanbelly will be relocating from its current Damen Avenue location later this year as our lease comes to an end. Chef Bill Kim and the team are focused on the brand’s next chapter, with plans for new locations and expanded initiatives in the coming months,” Cornerstone Restaurant Group said in a statement. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Wicker Park community for the support over the past decade and look forward to sharing more details soon.”
Specifics about Urbanbelly’s relocation or closing date have not yet been finalized.
The forthcoming Hattie B’s will feature seating for 65 people inside and an additional 18 seats on a patio. Founded by Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr. in Nashville in 2012, Hattie B’s now operates 16 locations nationwide. The Chicago market represents its first presence in the Midwest.
The building at 1542 N. Damen Ave., which houses several businesses including Blue Line Lounge and Grill and La Colombe as well as apartments, was sold to new owners last October for nearly $16 million according to Crain’s.
