A new US restaurant brand is set to launch in the UK for the first time.
Fried chicken chain, Houston TX Hot Chicken, is known for its spicy sandwiches and waiver-only heat level.
The brand is set to open 50 restaurants across the UK over the next three years.
The expansion forms part of a partnership with PizzaExpress, which will serve as the master franchisee for the brand’s launch in Europe.
Houston TX Hot Chicken set to launch in the UK
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."
Houston TX Hot Chicken was founded in Las Vegas in 2021 by entrepreneur and race car driver Edmond Barseghian and Houston Crosta, and has since grown rapidly.
The business currently operates 29 locations across eight US states, with over 100 franchised sites already sold.
Its menu focuses on Nashville-style hot chicken, featuring sandwiches, tenders, loaded fries, and waffles.
Spice levels range from mild to its extreme "Houston, We Have A Problem" option, which requires customers to sign a waiver before ordering.
The UK launch marks the brand’s first move into international markets, with three restaurants planned to open in 2026 and dozens more expected to follow in the following years.
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 menu is expected to include the brand’s Original Hot Chicken Sandwich, chicken tenders, nuggets, fries, house-made lemonade, and its popular house sauce.
The UK’s fried chicken market has seen increasing competition in recent years, with several US brands hoping to tap into consumer demand for premium and spicy chicken products.
The announcement also marks another step in PizzaExpress’s ongoing strategy to diversify its restaurant portfolio.
In addition to its nearly 360 locations across the UK and Ireland, the company has rolled out new concepts such as Mac & Wings, a delivery-focused mac and cheese and chicken brand.
PizzaExpress has also introduced a new quick-service restaurant format, recently opening at a former Leon site in Brixton, with more sites planned for Finsbury Park and Earl’s Court.
What US food chain do you want to see come to the UK? Let us know in the comments.
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