Max Castle

I grew up near Columbus and still have a lot of family there. While visiting them last week, I searched for quality restaurants to try.

I landed at Hot Chicken Takeover because @Eater thinks they’re cool. Generally Eater knows their stuff.

When my order was ready, the attractive black man who handed me my food was incredibly chipper—like in a dopey way. Felt almost artificial.

Having worked in the restaurant industry six years, I know it’s wiles. There’s a lot of sugar-coating, and I don’t mean Domino.

Assuming this man was compelled by his heinous bosses to be all smiley and silly, I kind of depressingly muttered “thanks” and sat down.

So the food is phenomenal. While the slaw was too sweet, the chicken was perfect, & house ranch had such flavor I didn’t believe it possible

Like really, guys, if you send me the recipe I’ll make it for all my friends and credit you every time

Later, when I was telling my cousin about the ranch, he goes “apparently they only hire formerly incarcerated people.” “Wait, what!?”