Overdose Hot Chicken opens in Hilltop, but many sound off over “offensive” name

A new hot chicken eatery with a controversial name has opened its doors, but not everyone is happy about it.

Overdose Hot Chicken, which has taken over the former home of Lenny’s Chicken Fingers, held a soft opening yesterday, according to an Instagram post. It plans to serve menu items like Chicken Blunts and Joint Fries. 

The new restaurant is located at 3260 W. Broad St. in the Hilltop.

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While many welcome a new restaurant to the area, some– including Columbus City Council member Melissa Green–have taken umbrage with the eatery’s name.

“As a Councilmember, I have a responsibility to the people that I was elected to serve. That includes not only those who live in our neighborhood now, but also those that we have lost to the tragedy of the overdose epidemic,” Green told 614Now. “Our office has tried to reach out to the business owner to have an open conversation about the name of this business and its impact on our community–they have been unresponsive. We are excited to welcome entrepreneurs to the Hilltop who want to be a part of our community’s growth and revitalization, but this next chapter should be built on a foundation of our strengths–not our traumas and tragedies.”

Read comments on 614Now’s original coverage of the concept echoed Green’s sentiments. 

“I wonder how folks who’ve lost loved ones to actual overdoses will feel about this. Seems to be celebrating drug use,” one reader commented.

“I’m not easily offended but i feel like using Overdose is not really cool,” another reader added.

According to an Overdose Hot Chicken representative, the name was originally meant as a way to “simply reflect the spiciness we offer,” as guests can select their own spice level, from no spice, to their highest level, Overdose. They noted there “no joke or bad intention” behind the name.

”We deeply regret any unintended offense caused by our choice of name as we don’t want to offend anyone. We recognize the pain that has inflicted on this community, and we want to be respectful and sensitive,” Overdose Hot Chicken told 614Now. “I personally have reached out to local people and businesses in the area to gather their thoughts and opinions and what they suggest in order to overcome this issue.”

The eatery said it plans to tweak some of its branding to help clarify their intentions, and is open to community feedback.

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