NEW DATE: Locally Owned HCK Hot Chicken Heats Up Waldorf With Jan. 17 Opening

UPDATE: Grand Opening has been changed to January 17th

WALDORF, Md. — Mark your calendars and bring your appetite — Maryland’s very first HCK Hot Chicken restaurant is opening in Waldorf on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. The new location will serve up saucy, spice-tiered chicken sandwiches, tenders, and wings, all dipped to order — and it’s entirely locally owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Cody and Shalita Steele.

The husband-and-wife duo, now raising their two young children in King George, Virginia, are getting ready to launch their very first restaurant — a bold, sauce-drenched Nashville-style hot chicken spot. Located at 3054B Waldorf Market Place, the restaurant will serve fried-to-order chicken sandwiches, tenders, wings, and more — each dipped directly into house-made sauces, with spice levels tailored to every guest’s heat preference.

The concept is simple: sauced, not dry-rubbed.

“It’s all about the sauce,” Shalita said. “The flavor stays the same — what changes is how hot you want it. And the chicken is dipped, not dusted, so it comes out juicy and fully coated every time.”

A Family Launch, Close To Home

Cody, originally from St. Mary’s County, and Shalita, who grew up in Charles County, now live in King George, Virginia — making Waldorf the perfect launch point between the places they were raised and the community they now call home.

With their toddler Falen (3) and baby Harlan (6 months) in tow, the Steeles have handled every step of the launch — overseeing construction, organizing staff schedules, and preparing for opening day. Cody will serve as general manager, handling day-to-day operations, while Shalita leads outreach and front-end coordination as the restaurant welcomes its first guests.

“Unity through food — that’s what we believe in,” Cody said. “Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we want this to feel like a place you belong.”

A full staff of 15 team members has already been hired and is scheduled to begin training on Monday, Jan. 5, just days before the grand opening. The team will spend the week getting familiar with the space, preparing menu items, and getting ready for the restaurant’s official debut.

What’s On The Menu?

The menu at HCK Hot Chicken goes beyond bold spice — it’s packed with comforting classics and saucy twists on Southern staples. Every item can be ordered plain (country-style) or dipped in one of four signature house-made sauces, each offering a different level of heat. Guests can expect the restaurant’s signature Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich served on a toasted potato bun with krinkle-cut pickles, slaw, and GOOD sauce.

Other offerings include:

Chicken Tenders – Hand-breaded and fried to perfection, served plain or tossed in your choice of sauce.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich – Grilled chicken breast topped with GOOD sauce, krinkle kut pickles, and coleslaw on a toasted artisan potato bun.
Chicken & Waffles – Juicy, hand-breaded chicken paired with homemade waffles, powdered sugar, and syrup on the side.
Loaded Mac and Cheese Bowl – Mac & cheese topped with sauced chicken, shredded cheese, house-made GOOD sauce, and panko crumble.
Country Chicken Salad – Fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, cheddar cheese, and sauced (or plain) chicken served with dressing.
Classic Bone-In or Boneless Wings – Available in meal packs or large party trays, tossed in your preferred heat level.

Each item can be made country-style (no heat) or coated in one of four levels of house hot sauce — ranging from mild to eyebrow-sweating spicy.

HCK Hot Chicken Waldorf MD Menu — Image from HCK Facebook

Second Location Already In The Works

The Waldorf location is just the beginning — and the Steeles aren’t slowing down. They’ve already secured space for a second hot chicken restaurant in St. Mary’s County, giving them a location in each of their hometowns. While buildout is still ahead, they’re aiming to open the St. Mary’s location by fall 2026. More details will be shared as plans take shape.

And while nothing is available yet, they’ve also got their eyes on King George, where they live and see a future opportunity to grow even closer to home.

For now, the focus is on January.

“We’re just trying to treat people right, serve good food, give great customer service, and keep it clean,” Cody said.

Plan to check out the grand opening on Saturday, Jan. 10, and be among the first to try their signature sauced-to-order hot chicken. Whether you go mild or all-in on the heat, Cody and Shalita Steele are ready to welcome you — one spicy sandwich at a time.

Location: 3054B Waldorf Market Place, Waldorf, MD — right next to Navy Federal Credit Union

About HCK Hot Chicken

HCK Hot Chicken is a fast-growing franchise known for its sauced-to-order Nashville-style chicken, served with bold flavor and customizable heat. With locations across Virginia, Florida, Texas, New York, and North Carolina — and more in development — the Waldorf restaurant marks the brand’s very first location in Maryland.