Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings opened a location near Penn's campus on Tuesday, replacing Greek restaurant Yiro Yiro.
Hangry Joe’s – whose University City store is located at 125 S. 40th St. – serves a mix of Nashville-style chicken fingers, Korean fried chicken, and boba. The fast-casual restaurant chain currently has over 40 locations in the U.S. and two overseas locations in the United Arab Emirates and South Korea. Hangry Joe’s first Philadelphia location is located at 300 Market St.
The chain’s signature product is its multi-level spicy fresh chicken, which features six spice options ranging from no seasoning to “angry hot.” The spiciest level requires customers to sign a waiver before tasting.
Joe Oh, who identified himself as the founder of Hangry Joe’s, told The Daily Pennsylvanian that his store has been popular among college students. He said trying out the spicy chicken has become a social activity for younger customers.
“We first started on the campus of James Madison University," Oh said. "Our chicken is popular among the young people – they like to take pictures and post them on Instagram."
Hangry Joe’s also offers a collection of milk tea, fresh tea, and smoothies, according to Oh. Other menu items include chicken and waffles, chicken bites, and waffle fries.
The restaurant's University City location comes amid a push for more franchising. Hangry Joe's website says that it will be opening several additional locations soon, and the chain offers multiple franchising opportunities.
College sophomore Steven Su said that he has enjoyed Korean chicken wings since he was young. He said he is delighted to see another chicken store open near campus.
“I look forward to trying out the most spicy chicken sandwich with friends,” Su said.
Hangry Joe’s, which is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, is the latest of the recent changes in food and beverage options in University City. It joins Gong Cha and Playa Bowls as new options for the surrounding community and offers another fried chicken option in light of Wishbone Chicken's sudden closure in February.
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