Houston TX Hot Chicken, an American fast food chain known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, has announced plans to open 50 restaurants across the UK over the next three years, with the first locations set to debut next year. The news, initially reported by industry publication Propel, follows the brand's trademarking of its name for use in the UK. The chain will join PizzaExpress as part of its growing portfolio of restaurant brands.
Menu and Signature Items
Customers can expect Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, waffles, and loaded fries, with spice levels reaching extreme heights. The chain's signature "Houston, We Have A Problem" option requires customers to sign a waiver due to its intense heat. The UK menu will also include the Original Hot Chicken Sandwich, chicken tenders, nuggets, fries, house-made lemonade, and its popular house sauce.
Expansion and Partnership
Founded in Las Vegas in 2021 by entrepreneur and race car driver Edmond Barseghian and Houston Crosta, the chain currently operates 29 restaurants across eight US states. It recently announced plans for an additional 26 locations in Illinois, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New York. The UK expansion is a partnership with PizzaExpress, whose CEO Paula MacKenzie said: "We're thrilled to be adding Houston Hot Chicken to our house of brands, bringing something truly distinctive to the UK market: bold flavour, real energy and an experience that stands apart. This is chicken unlike you've seen it before."
Reception and Reviews
The chain has received excellent reviews online. One Yelp reviewer called the food "amazing" and among the best Nashville-style burgers they have had. Another said: "I know everyone is doing hot chicken, but this place is doing it right." The expansion will place Houston TX Hot Chicken alongside other American chicken chains already in the UK, such as Wingstop and Popeyes.
Quotes from Leadership
Brian Simowitz, president of Houston TX Hot Chicken, commented: "Working with the PizzaExpress team to expand for the first time internationally is truly an exciting moment for us. No one knows fried chicken better than Houston TX Hot Chicken, and no one knows the UK market better than PizzaExpress, making this the perfect partnership. We can't wait to fly the coop and land in the UK, bringing something unexpected and exciting to chicken consumers."
