A fast-growing American fried chicken chain known for its fiery sandwiches and waiver-only spice level is set to launch in Britain.
Houston TX Hot Chicken will open its first UK locations next year as part of an ambitious plan to roll out 50 restaurants nationwide over the next three years.
The move was revealed by industry publication Propel, which first reported last month that the US brand had trademarked its name for use in the UK and was in talks with PizzaExpress over a British expansion.
READ MORE: Morrisons offers free loyalty points bonus to customers using brand new feature
- Advertisement -
PizzaExpress has now confirmed that Houston TX Hot Chicken has joined its growing portfolio of restaurant brands, as reported by Whats The Jam.
The chain specialises in Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, waffles and loaded fries, with spice levels ranging from mild to its famously fiery “Houston, We Have A Problem” option.
According to the company, customers ordering the hottest version are required to sign a waiver.
Despite its name, Houston TX Hot Chicken 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.
- Advertisement -
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.
Under the agreement, PizzaExpress Group will become the master franchisee for Europe.
The company said three Houston TX Hot Chicken restaurants are expected to open in the UK during 2026, with dozens more planned to follow.
- Advertisement -
Paula MacKenzie, chief executive of PizzaExpress, 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.
“This is chicken unlike you’ve seen it before.”
The menu is expected to include the chain’s signature Original Hot Chicken Sandwich, chicken tenders, nuggets, fries, house-made lemonade and its popular house sauce.
The arrival comes amid growing competition in Britain’s fast-expanding fried chicken market.
Over the past few years a number of US restaurant brands have entered the UK, hoping to capitalise on increasing demand for premium chicken products and spicy menu items.
Brian Simowitz, president of Houston TX Hot Chicken, said: “Working with the PizzaExpress team to expand for the first time internationally 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 the perfect partnership.
“We can’t wait to fly the coop and land in the UK, bringing something unexpected and exciting to chicken consumers.”
The announcement marks the latest diversification move from PizzaExpress, which operates almost 360 restaurants across the UK and Ireland alongside more than 100 international sites.
The company has also recently launched Mac & Wings, a delivery-focused mac and cheese and chicken concept, and opened a new quick-service restaurant format at a former Leon site in Brixton, with additional locations planned in Finsbury Park and Earl’s Court.
READ MORE: John Lewis announces major jobs boost for care leavers across UK
