Is The Hot Chicken Category a Fad or A Hot Category Set For Growth
In this episode of The Rock My Restaurant Podcast, hosts Paul Barron and Tammy Billings sat down with David Mkhitaryan, CEO of Angry Chickz, to discuss the brand's remarkable journey from a small Hollywood storefront to a rapidly growing franchise.
Mkhitaryan's passion for spicy foods and commitment to exceptional customer service led him to create Angry Chickz. With meticulous attention to detail, he crafted recipes that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of fans across the country. The brand has quickly expanded to 24 units, with 23 locations in California, one in Glendale, Arizona, and another in Las Vegas, Nevada.
One of the most striking aspects of Angry Chickz's success is the excitement surrounding each new restaurant opening. Hundreds of fans line up, often wrapping around the building, eagerly awaiting their chance to experience the brand's signature flavors. To reward their dedication, Angry Chickz offers the first 100 people in line a bag filled with merchandise and a numbered jersey corresponding to the location's opening number.
Mkhitaryan highlighted the brand's most recent opening in Vacaville last month, which was a resounding success. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Angry Chickz's fans, who brave any weather to be part of these special events.
The success of Angry Chickz comes amid the growing popularity of the hot chicken segment, which traces its roots back to Nashville, Tennessee. According to local legend, hot chicken was born in the 1930s when a scorned lover sought revenge on her partner by preparing an excessively spicy chicken dish. Unexpectedly, he enjoyed the fiery flavors, and the recipe was perfected over time, becoming a staple of Nashville's culinary scene.
Other Notable Brands
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack: Established in the 1930s by Thornton Prince, this restaurant is considered the original creator of Nashville hot chicken.
Bolton's Spicy Chicken and Fish: Founded in the 1980s by Bolton Mathews, who learned the craft of hot chicken from his uncle, Thornton Prince.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken: Opened in 2012 by father-son duo Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr., Hattie B's quickly gained popularity and now has multiple locations across the United States.
400 Degrees: Chef Aqui Hines launched 400 Degrees in 2010, offering a unique twist on the classic Nashville hot chicken recipe.
Party Fowl: Opened in 2014, Party Fowl offers a more upscale dining experience while still serving authentic Nashville hot chicken.
These pioneering brands helped establish Nashville hot chicken as a beloved regional specialty and paved the way for its eventual rise to national prominence. As the dish's popularity grew, it inspired countless imitations and adaptations, with restaurants across the country putting their own spin on the classic recipe. Despite the increasing competition, these original Nashville hot chicken brands remain highly respected and continue to attract devoted fans from far and wide.
The Future of Hot Chicken
Angry Chickz has announced its franchising opportunities, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the brand's growth. With the addition of Mike LaRue as VP of Franchise Development, the company is poised to bring its unique blend of spicy flavors and exceptional service to even more communities across the nation, regardless of the overall trajectory of the hot chicken segment.
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