Hot Chicken

I took my music major daughter Hattie B. Saunders to Music City USA last weekend because ‘music’ is what Nashville is famous for, but I learned that the Capital of Tennessee is also famous for two other things: drunk chicks and spicy chicken. Let me explain…

Over the last few years, Nashville has made a name for itself as the Mecca for bachelorette parties. This didn’t happen by accident. It was a carefully crafted PR campaign targeting wannabe brides that touted cheap booze, live music, no cover charges, and the teeny tiny chance you might meet Taylor Swift. Nashville is also known as the birthplace of hot chicken. Last weekend I witnessed both fads in all their glory. During the day I stood for an hour in 97-degree heat waiting to eat hot chicken at Hattie B’s (no relation to my Hattie B.) And during the evenings I saw roving bands of young women wearing matching bachelorette party t-shirts stumbling in and out of Honky Tonks on Broadway.

So what do hot chicks and hot chicken have to do with branding, you ask? Everything.

Hattie B’s had a hundred people waiting in line on a Saturday morning at 11 a.m. when they opened. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack didn’t. Hattie B’s has tasty chicken, but locals say it’s not as good as the original Nashville hot chicken at Prince’s. Hattie B’s opened its doors in 2015 and Prince’s has been around for almost 100 years. Prince’s had two locations and now only has one. Hattie B’s has seven locations in less than four years and is rocketing to success. The reason? Hattie B’s has a bold, in-your-face brand. Prince’s has a hand-painted sign, a run-down interior and no creative messaging. The sign on Prince’s door says “No Soliciting!” The sign on Hattie B’s door says “When the line is long, please remember to shut the clucking door. Thanks ya’ll!”

Big brands have noticed too and the Nashville Hot chicken trend is in overdrive. This week, lines formed at Popeye’s locations across the country and many locations ran out of chicken. The reason? Popeye’s launched a bold new social media campaign declaring they had the best chicken sandwich. The best part is Popeye’s directly challenged their competitors on Twitter, and Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, Bojangles, and Zaxby’s took the bait. Congrats to both Hattie B’s and Popeyes. Now you know what we mean when we say #BoldBrandsWin.

Monday, August 19 – Lights, Camera, INTERNS!

We started a tradition a few years ago for our interns. It’s a joint project to showcase their creativity and ability to work as a team. Shayla Johnson, Kate Molchany, and Daniel Golden did a great job with the 2019 Intern Recruitment Video. Check it out for yourself for a good laugh.

Tuesday, August 20 – Back In The Game

Fresh off the heels of winning a Silver Telly Award for their last TV commercial, we partnered with Broadscope Media to produce another spot for our friends at Vera’s Fine Jewelers. Coach is BACK! “Listen up porkchop!”

Wednesday, August 21 – RVA PARK(ing) Day

On Wednesday we came together to brainstorm ideas for our very own parking spot during RVA PARK(ing) Day. We’re exactly one month out from the event and the Madison+Main-iacs can’t wait to start our big build. Trust us, we’re going bold on this. Swing by the Madison+Main Headquarters on September 20th as we unveil our exciting pop-up parking spot.

Thursday, August 22 – Right On Track

Thursday morning a few of the Madison+Main-iacs circled around Richmond Raceway at record-breaking low speeds. We were scouting locations for an upcoming TV commercial for our friends from DRIVE SMART Virginia for their Who’s Your Driver? Program. Most of the Madison+Main-iacs will be on hand to help shoot the spot on Monday, with our friends at Broadscope Media.

Friday, August 23 – Lionel Richie Would Be Proud

Casual Friday sometimes gets a little too casual when people born in the 90s try to sing songs from the 80s without knowing the words. All in all, Office Manager Katie Rossberg started partying #AllMorningLong #AllNightLong and #AllDayLong.

A Few of Our Favorite Events

2019 Bourbon and Beer Festival

A. Smith Bowman Distillery | Fredericksburg, VA

August 24, 2019 | 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

A fun event to start off fall. Join us at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds (2400 Airport Ave.) to enjoy bourbon tastings, local craft beer tastings, and cigars! Mix and mingle with local brewers, distillers, and new friends. A select number of Virginia wineries and cideries will be sampling their award-winning beverages as well. Live music will be on the Safford of Fredericksburg Main Stage.

Richmond Family Magazine Education Expo

Science Museum of Virginia | Richmond, VA

September 22, 2019 | 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Meet representatives from schools and community colleges, tutoring services, financial aid resources, and much more. Attend break-out sessions and learn more about topics such as computer science in schools, saving for higher education, and single-gender education. Explore the Science Museum for free and also enter to win a 2-night stay at Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center, including tickets to ICE! Plus hear Huntington Learning Center franchise owner Larry Frank’s discussion on “A Parent’s Survival Guide” and how today’s busy parents can be empowered to help their struggling child improve homework performance.

Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow

A. Smith Bowman Distillery | Fredericksburg, VA

September 28, 2019 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The tastiest roadshow in Virginia is coming to A. Smith Bowman Distillery! Present by the Virginia Distillers Association and A. Smith Bowman Distillery, the Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow provides a wonderful opportunity for spirit lovers to meet Virginia distillers firsthand and sample artisan spirits as well as craft cocktails from multiple Virginia distilleries under one roof. Guests can save by purchasing advanced tickets.

Magnificient Midlothian Food Festival

Westchester Commons | Midlothian, VA

October 12, 2019 | 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Eat, Drink and Be Magnificent! It’s the 31st Annual Magnificent Midlothian Food Festival – Presented by Wegmans. Live Entertainment with performances by South of James and The Party Fins! Live music all day! Enjoy small plates from area restaurants, wine, beer (including Craft Beer), mixed drinks, complimentary soft drinks, and more. Proceeds benefit local charities. Get your tickets today!

Got an upcoming event you want to share? Can we come? Send us the deets!

“Everyone loves fried chicken. Don’t ever make it. Ever. Buy it from a place that makes good fried chicken.”

— Nora Ephron

Look ma, we have a blog!

Hot Chicken | Weekly Report for August 23, 2019