Late in 2013 I stood in line for thirty minutes to try Hot Chicken Takeover, a new pop-up restaurant in Columbus created by Joe & Lisa DeLoss. Joe & I became friends the year prior while teaching entrepreneurship together at Ohio State so when he launched HCT I was, of course, eager to support his newest venture. I certainly wasn’t alone. Since then, HCT has become the most popular new restaurant in Columbus and has won nearly every ‘Best Of’ poll imaginable. Their permanent location at the North Market continues to have long lines for delicious chicken and they’re poised for expansion. The success of the business, though, is about much more than just great fried chicken.
HCT is building its business as a social enterprise with a mission to provide meaningful employment and development opportunities to people affected by employment barriers such as poverty, previous incarceration, and homelessness. Giving employees a second chance at their career and providing unique programs for personal development is not only good for the community but it’s good for business, too. It’s a mission we were excited to help honor with a special collaboration between Pursuit and HCT.
At Pursuit, we dedicate ourselves to preparing our customers for the big steps in their lives. When Joe approached me, hoping to do something special for their team to celebrate and embody that big step, we immediately became excited to help and collaborate in a way that fit the spirit of both our companies.
On a Monday morning we invited eighteen members of the HCT team to take over Pursuit. We spent time with each individual, getting to know them and fitting them for their own new suit. Along the way, the team members shared with us the significance and symbolism they felt when wearing a suit for the big moments in life. We made a video to capture and share their stories.
At Pursuit, we have the pleasure of playing a part in the major milestones of so many inspiring people. We love to tell the stories of our friends, customers, and peers who are doing big things in their realm, with the hope that it helps inspire others in their own pursuit. We are certainly inspired by HCT and their team’s stories.
Cheers to your pursuit and to Hot Drums with Ma’s Mac & Slaw!
-Nate
PS- We feel someone has come pretty far since their days as an original Pursuit model! Sorry Joe, had to!
