In 2016, the same year KFC announced that they were launching a Nashville hot chicken combo on their menus, Food Republic credited chef John Lasater of Nashville’s Hattie B’s as the creator of the food trend.ġ. Nowadays, Prince’s has been subject to countless glossy publications, but it wasn’t always like that.

While other restaurants in the city may serve their version of hot chicken, people come to Prince’s to taste the original recipe from the family that created it. He used it to open his restaurant, Prince’s, which has since risen to great popularity–his family members still run the original store today. The recipe came from a man named Thornton Prince. It’s tied to the legacy of the African American community in Nashville and their contributions to the city’s vibrant food scene. But this Southern foodie staple is more than just a dish. The peppery delicacy has roots in Nashville but it has become a popular menu item throughout the country, with its recipe being featured in numerous food publications. The combination of spice blends and crispiness leaves a lasting, savory impression on your taste buds.

And it’s quite the celebrity in the food world. Nashville’s nickname may be Music City–a long list of successful country and bluegrass musicians got their start here–but it’s also known for its food, namely one dish. The tasty dish is now a symbol of many things born from its city and represents the enduring legacy of its African American community.

Prince’s hot chicken