#London #United Kingdom #PizzaExpress #Fast Casual Dining #Houston TX Hot Chicken

Houston TX Hot Chicken Takes Flight in the UK

In an exciting development for both culinary enthusiasts and fast-food lovers, Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC) announced its international expansion into the UK. This move comes through a master franchise agreement with the esteemed PizzaExpress, which boasts nearly 500 locations across the UK and Ireland. Following a successful rise in the U.S., where HHC has become synonymous with quality hot chicken, the brand is set to open three locations in 2026 with ambitious plans to reach a total of 50 outlets within three years.

A Perfect Partnership

The synergy between HHC and PizzaExpress is undeniable. As Brian Simowitz, President of HHC, aptly states, “No one knows fried chicken better than HHC, and no one knows the UK market better than PizzaExpress.” This partnership is structured to leverage PizzaExpress's extensive operational infrastructure, which will facilitate HHC's entry into the highly competitive UK casual dining market.

The HHC menu is renowned for its bold offerings. Among them, the flagship Original Hot Chicken Sandwich has become a crowd-pleaser, appealing to a range of spice lovers. The brand has also garnered attention with its extreme “Houston, We Have a Problem!” dish, a 2 million Scoville unit experience that necessitates a waiver before attempting it—an adventurous challenge that has gone viral.

What Consumers Can Expect

The menu will feature an array of items including hot chicken sandwiches, tender pieces, loaded fries, and house-made lemonades, all infused with the brand's standout house sauce. This unique flavor profile is set to invigorate the UK’s fast-casual dining scene and attract a following akin to its U.S. counterpart.

Group CEO of PizzaExpress, Paula MacKenzie, expressed excitement about this collaboration stating, “We’re thrilled to add HHC to our house of brands, bringing something truly distinctive to the UK market.” The introduction of HHC is anticipated to provide UK consumers with a remarkable dining experience characterized by bold flavors and a vibrant cultural connection to southern U.S. cuisine.

Growth and Popularity in the U.S.

HHC, founded in 2021, has quickly established itself as one of the most rapidly growing hot chicken restaurant chains in the U.S., boasting a significant social media following of nearly 400,000. The brand operates in nine states and has successfully sold over 100 franchises throughout the U.S. Notably, it earned a ranking of No. 217 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, marking its swift ascent within the industry.

This rapid growth is academically backed by Savory Fund, a private equity firm dedicated to scaling emerging restaurant brands. With over $750 million in assets under management, Savory is known for investing in innovative concepts that resonate with modern consumers.

Looking Ahead

As HHC prepares for its UK debut, the anticipation among the food-loving public is palpable. The brand's ability to deliver an unmatched hot chicken experience, paired with the operational expertise of PizzaExpress, sets a promising stage for the new venture. 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for HHC as they jet across the pond, bringing their unique taste of Nashville hot chicken to a new audience and cementing their status in the international fast-casual dining arena.

For those keen on exploring this culinary revolution, stay tuned as HHC takes flight in the UK with flavors that aim to tantalize taste buds and redefine the chicken dining experience.