Location planned through May 2015.

Photos by Tessa Berg/Columbus Crave

Whether you're a fan or you haven't had the distinct pleasure of dining at Hot Chicken Takeover, get ready for some really, really good news. The East side weekend pop-up restaurant is popping over to the North Market for the winter.

"We have been searching for options to keep operations running through the winter and North Market was such a perfect match," said Hot Chicken owner (and head fryer) Joe DeLoss.

DeLoss' Nashville-inspired hot chicken has been drawing huge lines every weekend at its current location at Near-East Side Coop and Columbus Food Hub, but outdoor seating was obviously not going to fly in the winter. I speak from experience that the beads of sweat that spicy chicken can inspire will be a great fit for winter eats.

Hot Chicken Takeover will continue to operate at its current location through Sunday, November 23 - and I recommend giving it a try there, as the environment is great, even as the weather cools. The move to the North Market spot will target a soft launch in mid-December, with a grand opening slated for January 10, 2015. HCT will stay in its North Market home through the end of May 2015.

Deloss and his wife Lisa at the current location of Hot Chicken Takover

DeLoss is still looking for a permanent home for the business, though a recent Kickstarter for a mobile kitchen raised more than $63,000.

North Market Executive Director Rick Harrison Wolfe is rightly excited to have a buzzed-about tennant joining the fold for the winter. "(Joe's) story is inspiring, and his business is local and best-in-class, and that is what we are always looking for to compliment the merchant mix at the market."

And count me as one fan who's glad that Hot Chicken Takeover won't be going into hibernation.