Wild Hearted is all about telling a great story with deep roots, and dynamic characters. Our entire reason to be is to celebrate those who lived truly wild and from the heart. Take this story about legendary lothario Thornton Prince — who also by the way is credited with the creation of the Hot Chicken craze!
The Revenge Recipe That Became a Nashville Legend
Long before it was on fast food menus and festival flyers, hot chicken was just a petty act of revenge. The story goes like this: In 1930s Nashville, a man named Thornton Prince — charming, handsome, and famously unfaithful — stumbled home after a night out carousing. The next morning, his partner thought that revenge is a dish best served hot…I mean really f’ing hot! So, she dropped some fried chicken on the table the next day so spicy it was practically a threat.
But the joke didn’t land at all!
Prince didn’t just like the chicken. He loved it.That one accidental dish sparked what would become Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, a Nashville institution still standing strong nearly a century later. What began as punishment turned into a culinary legacy — and the unofficial symbol of a city known for its fire, flavor, and flair.
The Dish That Is A Must Eat!
Hot chicken is more than just food. In Nashville, it’s culture. It’s late-night shows and early morning hangovers. It’s a rite of passage for artists playing their first gig on Broadway and a comfort meal for locals who’ve known the recipe since before it went mainstream.
Every joint has its own take—some drenched in cayenne oil, others with a slow, creeping heat. But the spirit stays the same: messy, bold, unforgettable. Just like the city itself.
Why It Still Matters
In a Nashville that’s evolving fast—with luxury hotels rising next to dive bars and TikTok stars brushing elbows with country legends — hot chicken is one of the few things that hasn’t lost its soul. It’s a reminder that this town wasn’t built overnight. It was seasoned slowly. And it burns a little, in the best way.
Beyond The Meals
This guide represents:
- Preserving authentic southern food traditions
- Supporting local culinary entrepreneurs
- Connecting music and food cultures
- Experiencing Nashville like a true local
The Wild Hearted Breakdown. What Makes This Different?
The Vision
- How a great story becomes legendary food
- Creating accessible culinary adventures
- Supporting local food scenes
The Impact
- Helping visitors experience authentic Nashville
- Supporting small, local food businesses
- Preserving traditional southern recipes
Chef-Approved Tips
- “Always order one heat level lower than you think you can handle”
- “The best biscuits are made before 7am — plan accordingly”
- “If there’s a line of people in work boots, that’s where you eat”
- “Never skip dessert — it’s the perfect spice antidote”
Bottom Line: This isn’t just a food guide — it’s a love letter to Nashville’s flavor and a roadmap to the city’s soul that is full of stories.
Stay Wild. Stay Hungry. Stay Country.
