TV Foodperson Carla Hall Opening First Restaurant in NYC

Carla Hall, a former Top Chef contestant and current talking head on ABC daytime show The Chew, has announced plans to open her first restaurant: Carla Hall's Southern Kitchen will debut in an as-yet-unspecified New York City location, with the NYC restaurant acting as a flagship for potential expansion. According to a press release, the menu will feature Nashville hot chicken and other Southern classics, with early plans for an in-restaurant market stocking Nashville-made products.

Hall, who has shilled for brands like Kraft and Fancy Feast cat food in the past, will soon launch a Kickstarter campaign seeking $250,000 to help with the build-out. (In the press release, she speaks directly to fans, saying, "For anyone who's ever asked where they could try my cooking — this is for you! I just need a little help to get started.") Potential rewards include meet-and-greets with Hall and dinners at the upcoming restaurant, which tentatively plans a spring 2015 opening. The Kickstarter campaign goes live tomorrow; updates as they become available.