The Houston TX Hot Chicken fried chicken chain is known for its flavorful sandwiches and can-do heat.
The brand will open 50 restaurants across the UK over the next three years.
The expansion is part of a partnership with PizzaExpress, which will act as master franchisee for the brand's launch in Europe.
Houston TX Hot Chicken is set to launch in the UK
Paula MacKenzie, managing director of PizzaExpress, said: “We are delighted to add Houston Hot Chicken to our brand house and offer the UK market something truly special: bold taste, real energy and an experience that stands out from the rest.”
“This is chicken like you’ve never seen before.”
Houston TX Hot Chicken was founded in Las Vegas in 2021 by entrepreneur and race car driver Edmond Barseghian and Houston Crosta and has grown rapidly since then.
The company currently operates 29 locations in eight states and has sold over 100 franchise locations.
The menu focuses on Nashville-style hot chicken with sandwiches, tenders, stuffed fries and waffles.
Spice levels range from mild to the extreme “Houston, we have a problem” option, which requires customers to sign a waiver before ordering.
The UK launch marks the brand's first step into international markets. Three restaurants are scheduled to open in 2026, with dozens more to follow in the following years.
Brian Simowitz, President of Houston TX Hot Chicken, said, “Working with the PizzaExpress team on our first-ever international expansion 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 a perfect partnership.”
“We can’t wait to get out of the chicken coop and land in the UK to bring something unexpected and exciting to chicken consumers.”
The menu is expected to feature the brand's Original Hot Chicken Sandwich, chicken tenders, nuggets, fries, homemade lemonade and the popular house sauce.
The UK fried chicken market has faced increasing competition in recent years and several US brands are hoping to tap into consumer demand for high quality and flavorful chicken products.
The announcement also marks another step in PizzaExpress' ongoing strategy to diversify its restaurant portfolio.
In addition to its nearly 360 locations across the UK and Ireland, the company has introduced new concepts such as Mac & Wings, a delivery-focused macaroni, cheese and chicken brand.
PizzaExpress has also introduced a new quick-service restaurant format, recently opening at a former Leon site in Brixton. Further locations are planned for Finsbury Park and Earl's Court.
Which US grocery chain do you think should come to the UK? Let us know in the comments.
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