5 minute read
The Hot Spot to Be
Couple brings Nashville hot chicken to Shawnee with Mother Clucker!
article by Corinn Guemmer
photos by Molly Kuplen
When Kylie and Derrick Foster met in culinary school in New York, they knew food would be at the center of their future. They shared a passion for creativity, flavor, and entrepreneurship, and from the start, they planned to build something together. That vision inspired them to open Mother Clucker! a Nashville hot chicken restaurant that has become a staple in Shawnee.
The idea for Mother Clucker! began in 2017 after the couple traveled to Nashville and experienced the iconic hot chicken. At the time, this fiery dish was mostly limited to Tennessee, and the couple saw an opportunity to bring it to a wider audience. They returned home with a mission: Create a recipe that would introduce the bold flavors of Nashville hot chicken to everyone, not just those living in Nashville.
“We knew we had to make the experience of hot chicken readily available to everyone,” Derrick says. “Nashville hot chicken was something you could only get there, and we wanted to make it something anyone could enjoy, right here in Shawnee.” What started as a small idea has since turned into a thriving business.
Finding the right mix of spices to achieve their signature heat was a meticulous process. After more than eight months of working to perfect the recipe, they finally nailed down the right balance of heat, crunch, and flavor and launched their first location.
“We weren’t going to release it until it was just right,” Kylie says. “It had to be something special.”
Getting the word out was another hurdle. The right social media strategy can make or break a small business, and the Fosters quickly realized they needed to build an online presence.
“We saw how powerful social media could be when we engaged with our customers directly,” Derrick says. “It really helped spread the word and create a following around Mother Clucker!”
From day one, the community’s response was overwhelming. People showed up in droves, eager to try the chicken for themselves. Social media posts, rave reviews, and countless photographs of the food quickly built a loyal customer base.
A Personal Touch
What sets Mother Clucker! apart from other hot chicken restaurants is more than just the food. It’s the personal touch that Kylie and Derrick Foster bring to the business. From sourcing fresh, never-frozen chicken to making sure each piece is hand-breaded, they are involved in every step of the process.
“We’re a family-owned business, so every piece of chicken that leaves the kitchen is something we’ve made sure meets our standards,” Derrick says. “We want each customer to feel like they are a part of our family.”
Beyond the food, the energetic atmosphere and vibrant branding help differentiate Mother Clucker! “It’s not just about food; it’s about creating an experience,” Kylie Foster says. “We want people to walk in, feel the energy, and know they’re about to have something memorable.”
As the business expanded, interest started to grow from others who wanted to bring Mother Clucker! to their cities. That’s when the Fosters decided to franchise.
“We were getting inquiries from all over, and it became clear that we had something special,” Derrick says. “We knew it was time to take the next step and let others share the love.”
Word of Mouth
For Kylie and Derrick Foster, the most rewarding part of growing their business has been hearing stories from customers. “We get messages and comments from people who drive across town just to get our chicken,” Kylie Foster says. “It’s the best feeling when people say it’s their go-to spot to bring friends and family.”
The Kansas City food scene has embraced Mother Clucker! and the couple is grateful for the support they have received from the community.
“The response from Shawnee and the surrounding area has been incredible,” Derrick says. “It makes all the hard work worth it when people appreciate what we’re doing.”
To maintain the brand’s quality as it expands, the Fosters focus on consistency.
“We take pride in making sure every new location understands our culture,” Kylie Foster says. “It’s important they understand it’s not just following recipes; we want to deliver an experience that stays true to what made us successful.”
Looking ahead, the Fosters plan to expand the business even more. Their focus is on smart, sustainable growth, with expansions into new markets and the potential for mobile locations.
“We want to make sure our food is as accessible as possible to everyone who loves it,” Derrick says.
Despite their growth, Kylie and Derrick Foster have never lost sight of the values that made their restaurant successful.
“We’ve always listened to our customers,” Kylie says. “Their support has been the driving force behind everything we’ve done. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and stay connected to our community.”
For anyone who has not yet tried Mother Clucker! Kylie and Derrick Foster have one thing to say: “Come see what the hype is about. We promise you won’t leave disappointed.”
FOR MORE
Mother Clucker!
5930 Nieman Road
Shawnee, KS 66203
Shawnee Hours
Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
OTHER KC LOCATIONS
11635 Ash St., Leawood, KS 66211
1707 Locust St., Kansas City, MO 64108
