Popular American fast food chain to 'fly the coop' and open 50 sites across UK

Fried chicken brand Houston Hot Chicken (HHC) has revealed plans to open the locations over the next three years.

The chain is known for its Texas-style hot chicken sandwiches, nuggets and tenders.

Despite its name, HHC was founded in Las Vegas in 2021 by entrepreneur and race car driver Edmond Barseghian alongside Houston Crosta. The business quickly expanded across the US and now operates 29 locations spanning eight states.

Earlier this year, the company announced a further 26 franchise commitments across Illinois, Louisiana, Arkansas and New York, taking the number of franchised locations sold beyond 100.

Now, three HHC restaurants are planned to open in the UK in 2026.

The UK launch marks the HHC’s first move into international markets as several US brands hoping to tap into the growing UK fried chicken market.

Competitor Wingstop will edge closer to 60 UK restaurants after it announced a new British site opening up.

Wingstop already has 57 restaurants across the UK and has become a popular choice in major cities.

The Daily Express previously reported Wingstop planned to open its new shop in Glasgow Fort on Monday, June 22.

UK chain restaurant PizzaExpress has acquired the master franchisee rights to the HHC across Europe.

The announcement of HCC opening across the UK is the latest move in PizzaExpress’ ongoing strategy to diversify its restaurant portfolio.

PizzaExpress, which has nearly 360 locations across the UK and Ireland, launched its in-house, delivery-only chicken concept, Mac & Wings, earlier this year. Mac & Wings is a delivery-focused mac and cheese and chicken brand.

Paula MacKenzie, group chief executive of PizzaExpress, Mac & Wings and HHC, 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.”

She said the menu offers customers “chicken unlike you’ve seen it before”.

Brian Simowitz, president of HHC, said: “Working with the PizzaExpress team to expand for the first time internationally is truly an exciting moment for us.

“We can’t wait to fly the coop and land in the UK, bringing something unexpected and exciting to chicken consumers.”