Hattie Moseley Austin

{{short description|African-American restaurateur}}

{{Infobox chef

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| name = Hattie Moseley Austin

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| birth_date = {{circa|1900}}

| birth_place = Saint Francisville, Louisiana, U.S.

| death_date = {{Death year and age|1998|1900}}

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| spouse = {{plainlist|

• {{marriage|Willie Moseley||1971}}
• Bill Austin

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| style = Southern cuisine
Cuisine of New Orleans

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| restaurants = Hattie's Chicken Shack

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Hattie Moseley Austin ({{circa|1900}}{{mdash}}April 23, 1998{{Cite web|last=WING|first=JILL|title='Million Dollar Lady' benefit planned in memory of Hattie Austin|url=https://www.saratogian.com/news/million-dollar-lady-benefit-planned-in-memory-of-hattie-austin/article_27b719ed-f5c9-5486-a820-14fc5c9a92f8.html|access-date=2021-07-25|website=The Saratogian|date=26 August 2001 |language=en}}) was an American chef and restaurateur. She was the founder-owner-chef of Hattie's Chicken Shack in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Hattie Moseley Austin

Born c. 1900

Saint Francisville, Louisiana, U.S.

Died 1998 (aged 97–98)

Spouses

Willie Moseley (before 1971)

Bill Austin

Culinary career

Cooking style Southern cuisine

Cuisine of New Orleans

Current restaurant(s)

Hattie's Chicken Shack

Hattie Moseley Austin (c. 1900—April 23, 1998[1]) was an American chef and restaurateur. She was the founder-owner-chef of Hattie's Chicken Shack in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Early Life and Personal Background

Hattie Moseley Austin, born Hattie Gray around 1900 in Saint Francisville, Louisiana, lost her mother Lydia during childbirth. Raised by her father, Harry, she received additional support from Hattie Leopold, the wife of a local rabbi who had employed Lydia. In honor of her, Hattie was named after Mrs. Leopold.

She later moved to New Orleans for school and then to Chicago, where she worked as a cook for A.E. Staley, founder of the Staley corn processing company. The Staleys maintained homes in Chicago, Miami, and Saratoga Springs, and Hattie traveled with them between cities. This experience exposed her to various social environments and helped shape the inclusive, welcoming spirit that would define her future restaurant.

Hattie was married twice—first to Willie Moseley, and after his death in 1971, to Bill Austin. Although she had no biological children, she took in several needy neighborhood children, further showcasing her generosity and maternal spirit.

Her Southern upbringing influenced her cooking style, especially her iconic fried chicken, which became a symbol of her culinary legacy.

Founding of Hattie's Chicken Shack

In 1938, Hattie settled permanently in Saratoga Springs and opened Hattie’s Chicken Shack on Federal Street with a $33 investment. Located in a racially mixed neighborhood, the restaurant served her signature fried chicken alongside New Orleans-inspired dishes like shrimp, scallops, and barbecue.

Saratoga Springs at the time was known for its vibrant nightlife, especially during the summer racing season. Hattie ran her restaurant 24/7 during these peak months, serving a diverse clientele—from wealthy gamblers to backstretch workers from the Saratoga Race Course. Hattie was well-known for feeding anyone who was hungry, regardless of their ability to pay.

The restaurant remained on Federal Street until 1968 when urban renewal efforts destroyed the neighborhood. Hattie then moved the restaurant to Phila Street, where it still operates today. She sold the business in 1993.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Southern Hospitality: Hattie's became known not just for its food but also for its warmth and hospitality. Hattie created a space where people from all backgrounds could come together, breaking down racial and social barriers during a time of widespread segregation.

Fried Chicken Legacy: Her fried chicken recipe became legendary, known for its crispy exterior, tender interior, and flavorful seasoning. The exact recipe was kept secret, adding to the mystique and allure of the restaurant.

Cultural Hub: Hattie's attracted celebrities, artists, jazz musicians, and actors, especially during Saratoga’s horse racing season. The restaurant was a staple in the city’s social and cultural scene.

Historical Significance: Hattie’s Chicken Shack became a symbol of resilience during the urban renewal of the 1960s. Though the Federal Street neighborhood was lost, her restaurant carried on as a living piece of Saratoga’s cultural history.

Empowerment and Representation: At a time when few Black women owned businesses—especially restaurants that served a mixed clientele—Hattie became a role model for future generations. Her success challenged racial and gender norms and demonstrated the power of entrepreneurship as a form of community leadership.

Continued Influence and Modern Legacy

After Hattie’s passing in 1998, her restaurant continued to thrive under new ownership. Located on Phila Street, it still serves the signature fried chicken and other Southern dishes that defined Hattie’s menu. It remains a beloved local institution and a tribute to her vision and values.

The restaurant hosts annual events such as the Hattie’s Chicken Shack Benefit, which raises funds for community causes and honors Hattie’s legacy of generosity.

In 2001, the "Million Dollar Lady" benefit was held in her honor to support Saratoga Springs community development, celebrating her impact not only as a chef but also as a philanthropist.

Business for Good Acquisition: In recent years, Hattie’s Chicken Shack was acquired by the Business for Good Foundation, which continues to run the restaurant with a strong focus on community engagement, philanthropy, and preserving Hattie’s original mission of inclusivity and kindness.

Recognition and Honors

Hattie Moseley Austin is remembered as a pioneering Black woman restaurateur who built a successful business at a time when opportunities for women of color were extremely limited. She has been honored through:

Community events

Cookbook features

Local awards and media coverage

Continued media recognition as one of the most iconic figures in Saratoga Springs' culinary and cultural history

Her life and work continue to inspire, and her name remains synonymous with hospitality, resilience, and exceptional food in Saratoga Springs.