Chef Aaron Turner to open the Hot Chicken Project in Geelong

Award-winning chef Aaron Turner has returned to Australia to open another hot chicken outlet, this time in Geelong. The Hot Chicken Project is due to open in two to three weeks in a single shopfront in Geelong's arts precinct. Turner is teaming up with Kate and Nathan Veach​ (Bistro at Banks and Kilgour Street Grocer and Cafe) and Nathan Johnston of Geelong-based coffee roaster Cartel Coffee.

In 2013 Turner closed his Drysdale restaurant Loam after his marriage break-up, heading to Nashville, Tennessee. He returned to Melbourne to set up Belle's Hot Chicken in Fitzroy with Morgan McGlone in July 2014 before returning to the US. Turner was reluctant to talk about his involvement in Belle's, saying only that he had sold his share. McGlone says he wishes Turner all the luck with his "Geetroit" project.

The lure of living by the beach and good business opportunities has drawn Turner to Geelong.

At the Hot Chicken Project they'll be serving spicy Nashville-style hot chicken – from mild to blow-your-head-off – natural wines and craft beers including Collingwood Draught from Brunswick's Thunder Road Brewing Company on tap.

The 40-seater has a vibe Turner describes as "Nashville ghetto", which complements the area's other bars, live music venues, record bar and restaurants. The Hot Chicken Project, 84a Little Malop Street, Geelong, will open for dinner Tuesday to Thursday, all day Friday and Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Gail Thomas, with additional reporting by Gemima Cody