Need a ‘Hot Chik?’ Couple behind popular Warner Robins restaurant to open a new eatery
The owners of a popular restaurant in Warner Robins are getting ready to launch a new eatery with a totally different concept.
But their head chef will be the same.
Cathy and Michael Reece opened the popular and independently-owned Props Steak and Seafood at 1289 South Houston Lake Road in November 2018.
In mid to late July, they expect to launch The Hot Chik with the help of executive chef and general manager Kory Mack and their assistant general manager Riley Harris.
‘New and exciting’
“We’re happy to bring something new and exciting,” Cathy said.
Mack developed all of the dishes and menu for Props and Harris was with the former Benson’s Steak & Seafood and guided the couple in operating their first restaurant in the same location.
“As it turns out, it’s become my passion — probably what I should have been doing for my whole life,” Cathy said.
The Hot Chik will offer Nashville hot chicken, rotisserie chicken, wings, lots of fresh vegetables, wine slushies, boozy milkshakes and more.
Nashville hot chicken is a very spicy chicken made from a blend of hot spices and sauces, Cathy said. Customers will be able to purchase a non-spicy chicken also.
The new restaurant is located at 670 Lake Joy Road in the Kathleen community in the former spot of The Taco Shed and before that, Shane’s Rib Shack.
Getting ready
Tuesday, Michael was busy with painting and cleaning at the new restaurant.
“We’re really focused on the quality of the food,” Michael said. “Everything there will be prepared fresh. The only thing frozen will be the french fries.”
The new restaurant will seat about 80 people inside. Michael plans to place a roof over the outside eating area and enclose it with a screen and likely add overhead fans. Carryout will also be available.
The couple sold Reece Heating & Air in Perry about a year ago to its new owner, Slate Simons, who previously has served as a sales executive for another heating and air company and as a sergeant with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
Michael kept one of the Reece trucks, which was parked outside the new restaurant Tuesday.
His passion for his own restaurant fueled the opening of Props, and that passion became Cathy’s as she fell in love with the restaurant industry.
“The Hot Chik” is their registered trademark. The opening of their first The Hot Chik is envisioned to be the flagship for a franchise of restaurants, Michael said.
They’ve already had inquiries in the Forsyth and McDonough areas, he said.
“We’re going to get this one up and running first,” Michael said.
Their new restaurant’s catch phrase: “Everybody needs a Hot Chik.”
This story was originally published May 24, 2022 at 4:06 PM.