Spice, Legacy, Success: Andre Prince’s Hot Chicken Journey

Circle Back Podcast, Season 3 Eps 4

In this episode of the Circle Back podcast, we dive into the inspiring story of Andre Prince, the owner of Prince Hot Chicken Shack since 1980. Andre shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges she faced while building her business. From humble beginnings to becoming an iconic figure in Nashville’s cuisine scene, Andre’s story is a testament to perseverance, family legacy, and the power of word-of-mouth marketing.

A Legacy Begins

Andre Prince’s family had a rich history in the food industry. Her great uncle, Thornton Prince, started cooking spicy chicken on the corner of 28th and Jefferson Street in 1936. This unconventional dish was born out of a woman’s desire for revenge, and it quickly gained popularity through word of mouth.

Growing up, Andre had limited exposure to the chicken shack. She would occasionally visit during holidays, witnessing the bustling kitchen and the secret green room reserved for Caucasian customers due to segregation practices. Despite not being actively involved in the business, the tantalizing aroma of the chicken left a lasting impression on Andre.

Stepping Into the Unknown

After going through a divorce and facing financial pressure, Andre decided to take over the family business. With minimal cooking experience, she took a leap of faith and signed the papers to become the owner of Prince Hot Chicken Shack. This marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.

Starting from scratch, Andre had to learn the art of cooking chicken from her mother, who imparted the family recipe. She sold raw chicken at first and relied on customer feedback to refine her cooking skills. Through trial and error, she introduced variations in the spiciness level, including mild, medium, hot, and extra hot, to cater to different preferences.

The Power of Word of Mouth

Prince Hot Chicken Shack’s success can be attributed to the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Andre’s dedication to quality and her customers’ loyalty led to the establishment’s reputation spreading far and wide. The business became a favorite spot for locals and even garnered attention from celebrities, including Barack Obama and Jerry Seinfeld.

Overcoming Challenges and Defining Success

Andre faced various challenges throughout her journey. Limited access to loans meant she had to make ends meet with whatever money was available. Additionally, copycat businesses emerged, but Andre remained focused on maintaining quality and preserving her family’s legacy, which is Andre’s motivation to continue serving delicious hot chicken to her customers.

For Andre, success is more than financial prosperity. It lies in having peace of mind, the ability to sleep well at night, and knowing that she has made a positive impact on her customers’ lives. Through her journey, Andre has discovered that success is a result of perseverance, quality, and finding joy in what you do.

Andre Prince’s entrepreneurial journey showcases the power of family legacy, determination, and the value of providing a quality product to customers. From her childhood memories of the chicken shack to becoming an iconic figure in Nashville’s hot chicken scene, Andre’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship. Her dedication to preserving tradition and maintaining quality has made Prince Hot Chicken Shack a beloved institution in Nashville.

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Brought to You By

Nashville Entrepreneur Center

Visit ec.co/circlebackpodcast to learn more.