Convenience-store chain Weigel’s has a new menu offering: Knoxville Hot Dippin’ Chicken.
The fried chicken is made fresh in store. It’s hand-battered, double-dipped and “coated in a perfectly seasoned blend of smoky heat and tangy kick,” Weigel’s said.
“Knoxville Hot Dippin’ Chicken isn’t just another menu item for us—it’s a statement,” said Nick Triantafellou, director of marketing and merchandising at Weigel’s. “We listened to our fans, we tested, we tweaked and we brought the heat in a way only Weigel’s can. It’s bold, it’s got personality, and like everything we do, it’s made to connect with our community. First, you’ll taste the sweet crunch, then the fire hits—that surprise is what makes it fun. We’re not following trends here, we’re setting them.”
- Weigel's is No. 84 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of convenience store chains by store count.
The chain is using the tagline of, “Hey Nashville, We Fixed It,” to promote the new menu item. It is also adding the Knoxville Hot Dippin’ Chicken to its $6 W Menu. Customers can get the new chicken paired with a can of Liquid Death water for $6.
“Knoxville Hot was born out of our team’s mission to take a Southern classic and make it better,” said Chef Ryan Blevins, Weigel’s director of food innovation. “We dialed in a touch of sweetness up front before the heat kicks in, layered it with crispy texture and designed it to stand out whether you’re grabbing tenders, a wrap or a meal. It’s bold, addictive and absolutely built for East Tennessee.”
Wegiel’s is also promoting the new item through its MyWeigel’s Rewards app. Loyalty members can scratch their way to exclusive prizes, with Knoxville Hot Dippin’ Chicken featured as one of the spotlight rewards, Weigel’s said.
Weigel's is based in Powell, Tennessee, about 10 miles outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. Weigel’s was established in 1931 as a family business selling raw milk. It had 83 stores as of Jan. 1.
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