Founder & Head Chef
Joe Martins
The original "hangry" visionary. Joe's obsession with hot chicken and bold spice blends launched Hangry Joe's in 2018 from his Columbia kitchen.
Our Origin Story
From a Small Kitchen
From a Small Kitchen
to a Fiery Institution
It all started in 2018 when Joe — a self-proclaimed hot chicken fanatic — grew tired of settling for bland, ordinary fried chicken. Armed with a family spice recipe, an old cast-iron skillet, and an unstoppable craving, he transformed his Columbia, MD kitchen into the birthplace of Hangry Joe's.
The name says it all. We believe the best food comes from a place of genuine hunger — for bold flavors, real ingredients, and meals that leave a lasting impression. The word "hangry" captures that urgent, passionate need for food that actually satisfies, not just fills.
What began as a weekend pop-up grew into a neighborhood staple. Today, hangry joe's serves hundreds of guests daily from our Little Patuxent Pkwy location, delivering the same fire-crafted hot chicken that put us on the map — plus a full menu of sides, sandwiches, and signature sauces.
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Philosophy
At Hangry Joe's, everything we do revolves around three core pillars that guide our kitchen, our team, and our community.
Flavor Without Compromise
We never cut corners on seasoning, marination, or technique. Every piece of chicken is hand-seasoned with our signature spice blend and cooked to crispy, juicy perfection. Hangry joe's hot chicken deserves nothing less than the best.
Fresh, Honest Ingredients
We source locally whenever possible. No artificial fillers, no mystery ingredients — just quality chicken, fresh produce, and house-made sauces crafted daily. What you taste is what we actually put in.
Community First
Hangry Joe's is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We're proud to serve the Columbia, MD community and give back through local partnerships, charity events, and creating jobs for people who share our passion for great food.
The People Behind the Fire
Meet Our Team
Passionate, dedicated, and just a little bit spicy — our team brings Hangry Joe's to life every single day.
Operations Manager
Maria Chen
Maria keeps the kitchen and front of house running like clockwork. Her background in restaurant management ensures every guest leaves satisfied.
Sous Chef
Derek Williams
A culinary school graduate with a flair for Southern-inspired flavors. Derek develops new menu items and ensures spice consistency across every batch.
Brand & Community
Aisha Thompson
Aisha is the voice of Hangry Joe's. From social media to community events, she makes sure our passion for hot chicken reaches every corner of Columbia.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Hangry Joe's hot chicken isn't just about food — it's about the principles that make every meal, every interaction, and every decision meaningful.
Passion in Every Bite
We pour genuine love into every dish. Cooking at Hangry Joe's isn't a job — it's a calling. You can taste the difference.
Uncompromising Quality
From chicken sourcing to sauce making, quality isn't a checkbox — it's our minimum standard. We raise the bar daily.
Respect & Inclusion
Everyone's welcome at our table. We celebrate diversity in our team and our community, creating a space where all feel at home.
Sustainable Choices
We minimize waste, support local farms, and make conscious sourcing decisions — because good food shouldn't cost the earth its future.
Constant Innovation
We never stop experimenting. New flavors, new techniques, new experiences — the Hangry Joe's menu is always evolving while honoring its roots.
Genuine Hospitality
When you walk into Hangry Joe's, you're family. Every guest deserves a warm welcome, a fast order, and food that makes them come back for more.
Our Journey
The Hangry Joe's Timeline
From a single spice recipe to Columbia's most-loved hot chicken spot — here's how it all happened.
2018
The First Batch
Joe Martins hosts his first backyard hot chicken pop-up in Columbia, MD. Within hours, the line wraps around the block. A legend is born.
2019
Opening Our Doors
Hangry Joe's opens its first brick-and-mortar location at 10730 Little Patuxent Pkwy. The first week sells out completely within two days.
2020
Pivoting to Delivery
We launch online ordering and home delivery across Columbia, MD — keeping our community fed and our kitchen fired up when it mattered most.
2021
Menu Expansion
We introduce our now-famous Signature Sauce line, adding 6 new heat levels and the beloved Nashville-style Tenders to the menu. Sales triple overnight.
2022
Community Recognition
Hangry Joe's wins "Best Hot Chicken in Columbia" for the first time. We celebrate by giving free meals to our 50th, 500th, and 5,000th loyalty members.
2023
Catering & Events
We launch our full-service catering program, bringing Hangry Joe's hot chicken to weddings, corporate events, and celebrations across Maryland.
2024
50,000 Guests Served
We hit a major milestone — over 50,000 happy customers and counting. Hangry Joe's has become a true Columbia institution, fueled by your hunger.
2025 & Beyond
The Fire Keeps Burning
New flavors, bigger events, and an even deeper connection to the Columbia, MD community. The Hangry Joe's story is far from over — the best is still ahead.