In 1938, a courageous Black woman named Hattie Austin Moseley arrived in Saratoga Springs, New York, after the loss of her husband. With only $33 to her name and no close relatives around, she faced the harsh realities of the Great Depression head-on. Yet, she carried something far more enduring than her meager savings—her trusty cast-iron skillet, cherished recipes from her youth in Louisiana, and an unshakable determination to persevere.
Growing up in Louisiana, Hattie was no stranger to hardship. She lost her mother at birth and spent her early years laboring as a domestic worker and in various restaurant kitchens to stay afloat. When she settled in Saratoga, she channeled her Southern culinary heritage into a new beginning.
Hattie launched Hattie’s Chicken Shack, a simple stand that stayed open around the clock. Her menu featured golden fried chicken, fluffy cornbread, tender biscuits, and other dishes that brought comfort to all who tasted them. Soon, lines formed with eager patrons—locals, travelers, jockeys, and musicians alike. Her reputation for generosity and outstanding food reached far beyond the region. Notable figures such as Jackie Robinson, Cab Calloway, and even Mikhail Baryshnikov became regular admirers.
Within a year, Hattie’s success allowed her to establish a proper restaurant. She poured her heart into the business, often working in the kitchen well into her nineties. At 92, she finally stepped away from the stove—but not before she had built something extraordinary. More than just a place to eat, Hattie’s became a symbol of hope and community.
By 2013, Hattie’s Restaurant continued to thrive, still delighting guests with her signature fried chicken, which had been honored by Food & Wine magazine as among the finest in the nation.
Hattie Moseley did more than nourish bodies—she uplifted spirits. With every meal, she shared dignity, faith, and happiness. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance: when love and determination come together, something truly remarkable is born.