Los Angeles, Calif. — The Red Chickz has signed new multi-state franchise development agreements in Alabama, Connecticut, and Georgia. The move expands its footprint across the Southeast and Northeast as part of a broader national growth strategy.
The fast-casual chicken chain said the deals position the brand in three new regional markets. They also reinforce their presence along the East Coast. The agreements were announced on March 3, 2026. They represent a milestone in the company’s long-term franchising plans.
The expansion introduces the brand to food-forward and high-density markets. Leadership views these markets as strategically aligned with its operating model and menu positioning. Company executives said the moves are intended to prioritize disciplined growth rather than rapid saturation.
According to Shawn Lalehzarian, co-founder and CEO, the agreements reflect a selective approach to franchising. He said the company is focused on “strategic, intentional” growth. The brand is working with partners who understand the operational and cultural expectations of the concept.
Spencer Sabatasso, vice president of development, said the chain’s scalability and unit economics were key factors driving interest from franchise partners. He added that the expansion strategy emphasizes operational simplicity and consistency across markets. The company is not pursuing short-term trend momentum.
Building regional momentum
The Southeast has emerged as a focal point for The Red Chickz’s development pipeline. Alabama and Georgia are joining existing growth markets such as Texas and North Carolina.
The company said the region’s familiarity with Southern-style chicken creates a natural entry point for its menu. The menu blends Nashville hot chicken flavors with a West Coast-inspired approach.
Connecticut marks the brand’s first step into New England. The move extends its Northeast presence beyond New Jersey. The company described the state as a densely populated, food-driven market. Executives said it supports the company’s broader East Coast strategy.
Founded in 2018 in downtown Los Angeles, The Red Chickz has expanded steadily through franchising. The company has maintained a core presence in California and Texas.
The brand currently has six operating locations. It also has 55 additional locations in development nationwide. More multi-unit franchise agreements are expected throughout 2026.
Industry context
The Red Chickz’s expansion reflects a broader trend in fast-casual dining. Brands are shifting toward regional franchising strategies. These strategies prioritize market fit over blanket national rollouts.
Hot chicken concepts, in particular, have seen rapid growth. Operators are blending nostalgia-driven Southern flavors with modern branding. Social media engagement has become a central part of that approach.
Industry analysts note that franchise systems with streamlined operations are better positioned to scale sustainably. Strong digital followings also play a key role.
The brand reports more than 1.2 million TikTok followers. Executives view this as a key driver of awareness in new markets.
Why it matters
The Red Chickz’s multi-state franchise agreements reflect a broader shift in the fast-casual sector. The industry is moving toward disciplined, data-driven expansion. Companies are placing less emphasis on aggressive unit growth.
By targeting specific regions with established demand for chicken-centric menus, the brand is refining its development strategy. The approach aligns with consumer familiarity and operational efficiency.
The move also shows how emerging restaurant concepts are using social media traction to attract franchise partners. Simplified store models are another key factor in that strategy.
As competition intensifies in the hot chicken category, sustained growth will depend on consistency. It will also depend on supply chain reliability. Another factor will be the ability to translate brand identity across diverse regional markets.
Editor’s note: Source86 perspective
For food manufacturers and private label brands, The Red Chickz’s expansion highlights a key CPG and foodservice trend: regional growth built on scalable operations and strong brand positioning. As more restaurant chains move into multi-state development, the demand for consistent ingredient sourcing and quality assurance becomes critical.
At Source86, we help brands and suppliers support expansion through bulk ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label and co-manufacturing solutions. Whether a concept is entering its first new state or scaling nationwide, supply chain readiness is essential to maintaining product integrity and customer trust. Let’s talk.
FAQs
A: The company signed development deals in Alabama, Connecticut, and Georgia.
A: The brand reports 55 locations in development nationwide, in addition to six operating stores.
A: The chain opened its first location in 2018 in downtown Los Angeles.
External source: The Red Chickz Turns Up the Heat in the Southeast and Northeast with Multi-State Franchise Expansion
