Carla Hall's Fried Chicken Comeback
Celebrity chef Carla Hall is making a comeback in Washington, DC, with her new fried chicken restaurant, Bumblebirds [https://dc.eater.com/openings/167016/inside-celebrity-chef-carla-hall-bumblebirds-capitol-hill-dc-restaurant-openings, https://thegrio.com/2026/03/09/carla-hall-is-opening-up-a-new-restaurant-in-washington-d-c-inspired-by-her-grandmother/]. Inspired by her grandmother, it's set to open on Capitol Hill this spring.
Bumblebirds is opening in the former Good Stuff Eatery location on Capitol Hill. Hall is partnering with the family-run Sunnyside Restaurant Group for this venture. The grand opening is planned for March 14, with free chicken sandwiches or nuggets for the first 100 guests. Hall's menu will feature organic chicken, served fried or grilled in biscuits or brioche. Diners can also look forward to sides like house-made kettle chips and various slaws. Andra "AJ" Johnson, previously of Seranata, is crafting Southern-inspired cocktails for the restaurant. Before Bumblebirds, Hall operated Carla Hall's Southern Kitchen in Brooklyn, which closed in 2017 after a year. She funded that restaurant through a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $260,000. Hall is also known for her catchphrase "Hootie Hoo!" and her "cooking with love" philosophy from her time on "Top Chef". Hall's early career included a catering company, Alchemy Caterers, which she started in 2001. She also worked as a model in Europe before returning to the U.S. to pursue her culinary passion. Hall also hosted "The Chew" on ABC for several years and has appeared on various Food Network shows.
