Houston TX Hot Chicken flies to UK with PizzaExpress franchise deal
Houston TX Hot Chicken signs with PizzaExpress to launch in the UK, targeting 50 new locations.
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Houston TX Hot Chicken has signed a master franchise agreement with PizzaExpress to bring its concept to the UK with an initial three locations set to open in 2026, expanding to 50 over three years. The brand also recently secured 26 franchise agreements in the U.S. to enhance its growth in four states, supported by a private equity investment from Savory Fund.
Why It Matters
The expansion into the UK could increase brand visibility, attracting more franchisee interest in both international and domestic markets, while the backing of Savory Fund might indicate a stable growth trajectory for Houston TX Hot Chicken.
Houston TX Hot Chicken has secured a master franchise agreement with PizzaExpress to launch its fast-casual chicken brand in the United Kingdom. The initial plan includes the opening of three locations in 2026, with the ambitious goal of expanding to a total of 50 restaurants within three years. This marks a significant step in the brand's international expansion efforts after it recently signed 26 franchise agreements across four U.S. states, further solidifying its footprint.
PizzaExpress, a well-established brand itself with approximately 500 locations across the UK and Ireland, will leverage its extensive market presence to facilitate Houston TX Hot Chicken’s entry into the UK marketplace. The partnership is indicative of a collaborative approach to growth, combining Houston TX Hot Chicken’s unique offering with PizzaExpress’s operational expertise.
In the U.S., Houston TX Hot Chicken has made notable strides, including recent openings in Phoenix and a new venture in Seattle, indicating a strong domestic growth strategy. The financing for this expansion is supported by Savory Fund, a private equity firm based in Utah that manages over $750 million in assets. The firm’s involvement highlights investor confidence in Houston TX Hot Chicken’s potential for scalability.
Andrew K. Smith, managing director of Savory Fund, emphasized the brand's unique appeal, stating, "HHC has built something rare: a brand with genuine cultural energy and the operational foundation to scale... Taking that to the U.K. through a partner like PizzaExpress, with their scale and market knowledge, is exactly the kind of move that accelerates a brand's trajectory." This partnership not only signals Houston TX Hot Chicken's readiness to enter new markets but also reflects trust in its growth strategy through an experienced franchise partner.
As Houston TX Hot Chicken embarks on its UK expansion, the pace and success of these initial openings will serve as indicators of the brand's ability to penetrate international markets effectively. Whether the brand can maintain this expansion pace in the coming years may depend on ongoing operational support and consumer reception in the new market.
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