By Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd
The Medical District has another food option. The well-known chicken shack in the Southern sector of Dallas has opened another location near Parkland Hospital. Almost two months since the grand opening, this location continues to receive new, as well as repeat customers. Hall’s Honey Fried Chicken is a successful Black-owned, family run restaurant with a rich history within the African American community.
Using the famous Original Henderson’s fried chicken recipe, which was crafted over the past 50 years, Hall’s Honey Fried Chicken founder, John Hall said the family perfected the recipe since he “inherited it from my grandfather, Herman Henderson,” over 20 years ago.
Explaining why the decision was made to add another location, Hall said, “With the location in Duncanville firmly established, the iron was hot to strike out on a new location.” Location, Location, Location Housed in between the Chevron gas station and Denny’s, Hall said the new location was prime for patrons in need of a quick bite to eat before going back to the hospitals, hotels, and other businesses in the area. He explained, “This area is not a heavily-saturated area and thus made a great location for another location for Hall’s Honey Fried Chicken.
Keeping with tradition, this location is owned and operated by another member of the Hall family.” Hall passed the chicken baton to his daughter. Meet the Millennial all-star owner, MacKenzie Hall! She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa, in Marketing and Business Management, with an emphasis in small family businesses. Post-graduation, she went to work at the University of Texas at Dallas. Recognizing that working in higher education was not for her, she spoke with her father, on her next steps.
Growing up in the chicken business, MacKenzie decided to work as an employee, alongside her father and mother at the Hall’s Chicken Duncanville location. Learning the various roles within the restaurant, MacKenzie assisted with cooking, managing the employees, payroll, marketing, etc. Enjoying working in a customer service environment, MacKenzie found her niche within the company she grew up in. Advice for young entrepreneurs when asked what advice she would give to young entrepreneurs desiring to enter the world of entrepreneurship, she said: “Do your research, prepare to fail, prepare to lose money starting out, have working capital. Startup funds are essential in starting and maintaining a business, and research loans designed for minority business owners.”
Meet MacKenzie and the rest of her staff at Hall’s Honey Fried Chicken at 1407 Medical District, Dallas, Texas 75207.
Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. (lobby) 11:00 p.m. (drive-thru) Friday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (lobby) 2:00 a.m. (drive-thru)
