Food City’s hot food menu and prices rotate daily, featuring fried chicken, meatloaf, and rotating vegetables. You can grab a quick lunch or dinner without spending too much, and the options change to keep things interesting. This guide breaks down what you can expect, how much it costs, and how to get the best value for your money.
Many shoppers walk past the hot food counter without realizing how much variety is available. The menu is designed for convenience, with ready-to-eat meals that taste like home cooking. Below, we cover the typical offerings, pricing structure, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Food City Hot Food Menu & Prices
The hot food section at Food City is a hidden gem for budget-friendly meals. You will find classic comfort foods like fried chicken, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes. Prices are clearly marked at the counter, and portions are generous for the cost.
Daily Rotating Specials
Food City does not stick to the same menu every day. Instead, they rotate items based on the day of the week. This keeps the selection fresh and gives regular customers something new to try.
- Monday: Fried chicken with green beans and rice
- Tuesday: Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and corn
- Wednesday: Baked fish with coleslaw and fries
- Thursday: Pork chops with applesauce and vegetables
- Friday: Catfish or shrimp with hush puppies
- Saturday: BBQ ribs with baked beans and potato salad
- Sunday: Roast beef with gravy and rolls
These are general examples, but your local store may have slight variations. Always check the board when you walk in for the exact items available that day.
Pricing Breakdown
Prices at Food City are reasonable, especially compared to fast food chains. You can expect to pay around $6 to $10 for a full plate, depending on the protein and sides you choose.
- Single entree with one side: $5.99
- Single entree with two sides: $7.49
- Double entree with two sides: $9.99
- Extra side: $1.50 each
- Large drink: $1.29
Kids meals are also available for about $4.99, which includes a smaller portion of the main dish and one side. These prices are subject to change based on location, so confirm at your store.
Fried Chicken Options
Fried chicken is one of the most popular items on the hot food menu. You can get it by the piece or as part of a meal. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside, seasoned with a blend of spices.
- 2-piece meal: $5.99 (includes one side and a roll)
- 3-piece meal: $7.49 (includes two sides)
- 8-piece family pack: $12.99 (includes four sides)
You can choose between dark meat, white meat, or a mix. The family pack is a great deal if you are feeding multiple people.
Meatloaf And Comfort Classics
Meatloaf is another staple that customers love. It is made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a tangy ketchup glaze. The portion size is generous, and it pairs well with mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Meatloaf plate: $6.99 (includes two sides)
- Meatloaf sandwich: $4.99 (on white or wheat bread)
- Side of gravy: $0.50
Other comfort classics include baked chicken, smothered pork chops, and Salisbury steak. Each comes with your choice of sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, or black-eyed peas.
Vegetable And Side Selections
The rotating vegetables are a big draw for health-conscious shoppers. You will find seasonal options like green beans, corn, broccoli, and squash. Sides are cooked with simple seasonings, not heavy sauces.
- Green beans: $1.50 per scoop
- Mashed potatoes: $1.50 per scoop
- Mac and cheese: $1.75 per scoop
- Coleslaw: $1.25 per scoop
- Corn on the cob: $1.50 each
You can mix and match sides to create a balanced meal. The vegetable options change based on what is fresh and in season.
How To Order At The Counter
Ordering at Food City is straightforward, but there are a few tips to make it faster. Follow these steps for a smooth experience.
- Look at the menu board above the counter for daily specials.
- Tell the staff which entree you want, like fried chicken or meatloaf.
- Choose your sides from the available options.
- Decide if you want a drink or dessert.
- Pay at the register and pick up your tray.
The staff will ask if you want white or dark meat for chicken. If you are unsure, ask for a mix. They are usually happy to help.
Best Value Meals
If you are on a budget, the double entree with two sides is the best value. For under $10, you get a hearty meal that can last for two sittings. The family packs are also great for groups.
- Double entree combo: $9.99
- Family pack (feeds 4): $15.99
- Kids meal: $4.99
Look for weekly specials posted at the entrance. Sometimes they offer discounts on specific days, like a dollar off fried chicken on Mondays.
Nutritional Information
Food City provides nutritional info for their hot food items upon request. Most dishes are made from scratch, so you can ask about ingredients if you have allergies. The fried chicken has around 400 calories per piece, while meatloaf has about 350 calories per serving.
- Fried chicken (thigh): 380 calories, 22g fat
- Meatloaf (6 oz): 340 calories, 18g fat
- Mashed potatoes (1 cup): 210 calories, 8g fat
- Green beans (1 cup): 45 calories, 0g fat
If you are watching your sodium intake, the sides like coleslaw and green beans are lower in salt. The fried items are higher, so balance your plate accordingly.
Locations With Hot Food Bars
Not every Food City has a full hot food bar. Larger locations and those in urban areas are more likely to offer it. Smaller rural stores may only have a limited selection.
- Phoenix, AZ: Most locations have hot food
- Tucson, AZ: Several stores with full bars
- Nogales, AZ: Limited options
- Flagstaff, AZ: One location with hot food
Call ahead to confirm if your store has a hot food counter. The staff can also tell you the daily specials over the phone.
Tips For First-Time Visitors
If you have never tried the hot food at Food City, here are some tips to get started. The experience is casual and self-service, so you can take your time.
- Arrive between 11 AM and 1 PM for the freshest items.
- Bring cash if you want to avoid card fees.
- Ask for samples if you are unsure about a side.
- Check the dessert case for banana pudding or cobblers.
- Use the rewards app for occasional discounts.
The hot food is usually restocked throughout the day, but popular items like fried chicken sell out fast. If you want something specific, go early.
Comparing To Other Grocery Hot Bars
Food City competes with chains like Kroger, Walmart, and Publix for hot food sales. Their prices are generally lower, and the portions are larger. The quality is comparable to home cooking, not fast food.
- Food City: $5.99–$9.99 per plate
- Kroger: $6.49–$10.49 per plate
- Walmart: $5.98–$8.98 per plate
- Publix: $7.49–$11.49 per plate
Food City also offers more variety in sides, especially vegetables. Their rotating menu means you wont get bored with the same options every week.
Seasonal Menu Changes
During holidays, Food City adds special items to the hot food menu. Thanksgiving features turkey and dressing, while Christmas has ham and sweet potatoes. These seasonal items are available for a limited time.
- Thanksgiving: Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce
- Christmas: Ham, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole
- Easter: Baked ham, deviled eggs, potato salad
- Fourth of July: BBQ ribs, baked beans, cornbread
Prices for seasonal items are slightly higher, but still reasonable. You can order a full holiday meal for under $15 per person.
Customer Reviews And Feedback
Regular customers praise the hot food for its taste and value. Many say the fried chicken is better than fast food chains. The meatloaf is also a favorite for its homemade flavor.
- “The fried chicken is always crispy and hot.”
- “I get the meatloaf every Tuesday, it never disapoints.”
- “The sides are fresh and not too salty.”
- “Great value for a quick lunch under $7.”
Some customers note that the selection can be limited later in the day. If you visit after 6 PM, some items may be sold out. Plan your trip accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What time does the hot food bar open at Food City?
Most locations start serving hot food at 10 AM and continue until 8 PM. Hours vary by store, so check with your local branch.
2. Can I order online for pickup?
Currently, Food City does not offer online ordering for hot food items. You must visit the store in person to purchase.
3. Are there vegetarian options on the hot food menu?
Yes, you can get sides like green beans, corn, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. Some locations also offer vegetable plates with multiple sides.
4. Does Food City accept coupons for hot food?
Some digital coupons in the app apply to hot food items. Check the app before you go for any available deals.
5. How often does the menu change?
The menu rotates daily, with some items repeating on the same day each week. Seasonal specials are added during holidays.
Final Thoughts On The Hot Food Menu
Food City’s hot food menu and prices make it a solid choice for affordable meals. The rotating specials keep things interesting, and the portions are filling. Whether you grab lunch on a work break or dinner for the family, you get good value.
Remember to check the daily specials before you go, and arrive early for the best selection. The staff is friendly and can help you choose if you are unsure. With prices under $10 for a full meal, it is hard to beat the convenience and taste.
Next time you are at Food City, skip the deli aisle and head straight to the hot food counter. You might find your new favorite meal waiting there.