Atlanta’s vibrant food scene welcomed a new star to its constellation as King’s Chicken officially opened its doors on August 15, 2025, at Halidom Eatery, one of the city’s many food halls.
This debut marks the first location for King’s Chicken, a quick-service restaurant founded by Atlanta native Steve Mallard, with plans for an ambitious Southeast expansion in the coming years.
King’s Chicken Opens in Atlanta: What to Know
King’s Chicken, housed in the distinctive pink building of Halidom Eatery, brings a fresh take on Southern comfort food, blending nostalgic flavors with chef-driven creativity. Partnering with celebrated Chef Aleen, Mallard has crafted a menu that pays homage to his childhood through comforting classics while introducing modern twists that elevate the dining experience. Expect crispy fried chicken, inventive sandwiches, and Southern sides that strike a balance between tradition and innovation.“
We’re thrilled to launch King’s Chicken at Halidom Eatery, a space that embodies community and connection,” said Mallard. “Our goal is to serve food that feels like home but surprises with bold, chef-inspired flavors. This is just the beginning of our journey to share Southern hospitality across the Southeast.”
The opening on August 15 at 11:00 a.m. drew crowds eager to sample the menu at Halidom Eatery, a 13,000-square-foot food hall known for its art deco aesthetic and South Beach Miami-inspired vibes.
King’s Chicken joins a diverse lineup of 11 independent, chef-driven stalls, including Buena Papa Fry Bar, Locale Island Eats, and Press Waffle Co., offering something for every palate. The food hall, part of a larger mixed-use development by IST Management Services, features indoor seating for 320, outdoor seating for 123, and a two-acre green space for events, making it a dynamic gathering spot for East Atlanta residents and visitors alike.
King’s Chicken is poised for growth, with plans to open more than 20 freestanding locations, including drive-thru models, across the Southeast by 2028. The brand emphasizes community, hospitality, and quality, values that resonate with Halidom Eatery’s mission to create a welcoming space where “every meal is a celebration of community, and every guest is cherished as family.”
Halidom Eatery, which opened its doors in May 2024, has quickly become a culinary hub in Southeast Atlanta, offering weekly events like Soulful Mondays, Tequila Tuesdays, and Boozy Brunch Sundays. The addition of King’s Chicken enhances its diverse offerings, promising to draw food lovers seeking a taste of Southern soul with a contemporary edge.
Where is Haildom Eatery Located?
Haildom is located at 1341 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30316 in the Woodland Hills neighborhood. Here’s a map to help you find it.
For those craving a bite of nostalgia with a modern flair, King’s Chicken at Halidom Eatery is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit halidomeatery.com for more details and to explore the full roster of vendors.
Final Word
Along with King’s, Atlanta has some great fried chicken restaurants. If you want to explore Atlanta’s cultural palate a bit, a short ride to East Point offers some great places to eat! If you like that part of town, don’t sleep on College Park either.
If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.
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