New Nashville hot chicken spot opens soon at Charlotte food hall. What to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- PoppyCox opens first brick-and-mortar in Charlotte’s Optimist Hall this October.
- Menu features customizable spicy chicken dishes, sandwiches and loaded fries.
- Brand evolves from delivery-only to food truck before permanent 560 sq. ft. location.
Some like it hot, and new Nashville-style fried chicken spot is bringing the heat to Charlotte’s dining scene.
PoppyCox, known for its authentic Nashville hot chicken, officially opens Friday, Oct. 17 at Optimist Hall, marking its first-ever brick-and-mortar location, according to a release sent to CharlotteFive.
Once named among the best local food trucks by CharlotteFive readers, the restaurant has found a new home between Marina’s Tapas and Enat Ethiopian inside the popular food hall.
“Get ready for spicy, crispy sandwiches, loaded fries, and Southern favorites served in hearty portions with heat levels for everyone!” PoppyCox said via Instagram.
An official opening date wasn’t announced.
The menu features crowd favorites like The Sando, made with chicken breast, Comeback Sauce, coleslaw and pickles. The Tendies are also a popular option and include three chicken strips served with toast, pickles and two sauces for dipping.
Customers can choose the spice level that suits them, as PoppyCox offers sauces with varying levels of heat ranging from “Not Nashville” (no heat) to medium (OK, that hurts) and “Stoopid Hot” (No!! Just, no!).
There’s no milk to kill the burn, but you can wash it down with Coke, Sprite and other drink options.
Michael Kocak, a Charlotte native and founder of PoppyCox, said the concept began as a “family passion project.” The business operated as a delivery-only food service vendor before transitioning to pop-ups run out of a food truck, serving hot chicken at various locations across the Charlotte area.
Now, PoppyCox has a permanent 560-square-foot stall inside a sprawling food hall, joining more than two dozen other tenants.
“Joining the incredible lineup of talent at Optimist Hall is a hallmark moment in our journey, and this next chapter wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Charlotteans,” Kocak said in the release.
“We’re thrilled to welcome new and returning guests to Poppycox and show them just how hot our chicken is.”
Hot chicken fans cheered news of the restaurant’s opening on Instagram:
- “Oh my god this is great news,” Jennifer Moxley commented. “I was crushed the food truck wasn’t near me often enough after getting addicted.”
- That’s so sick!!!! You all deserve it,” Third Eye Coffee wrote.
- YASSS!! So excited 🔥🔥🔥,” Charlotte Living commented.
Poppycox
Location: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206 (opening soon)
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Menu
Cuisine: Nashville-style hot chicken
Instagram: @poppycoxclt
This story was originally published September 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM.