Beloved US fast-food chain confirms first UK site coming later this year
A staple of the United States’ fast-food scene has announced plans for an across-the-pond expansion, with 50 sites expected to be operational in Britain by 2029. Here’s everything that you need to know.
A collection of US brands, such as Coyo Taco and Popeye’s, is already dominating the UK high street, with plans already in place for Chuck E. Cheese and Raising Cane’s to make their debuts.
Jersey Mike’s is also on the way, as is Chili’s, according to a post which popped up on the Franchising Centre’s site earlier this year.
The latest restaurant to make its way over to the UK is one that specialises in Nashville-style hot chicken, offering loyal customers tenders, waffles, nuggets, and mouthwatering sandwiches.
Advert
And much like Nando’s and Wingstop, the brand offers customers the choice of how spicy they want their chicken.
Akin to Dave’s Hot Chicken, its highest level, ‘Houston, We Have A Problem’, comes with a $2 charge and a waiver for guests to sign, as it measures two million Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
To put that into perspective, Tabasco only rates between 2,500 and 5,000 and Da Bomb Beyond Insanity, a favourite of Hot Ones, is at 135,600 SHU.
Of course we’re talking about Houston Hot Chicken, a chain founded back in 2020.
Despite still being in its infancy, the fried chicken chain has grown rapidly, with just under 30 locations across nine states, including California, Michigan, and Arizona, as per its website.
On a mission to ‘serve the freshest and healthiest Hot Chicken sandwiches in the world’, Houston Hot Chicken has chosen Stevenage to house its first UK site.
A further 49 sites will open across Britain in the next three years as part of the Pizza Express portfolio, as reported by Restaurant Online.
The expansion is backed by restaurant-focused private equity firm Savory Fund, as per the publication.
“Houston Hot Chicken has attitude. It has personality. And it knows how to make an enterance,” claimed Paula MacKenzie, group chief executive of Pizza Express, Mac & Wings and Houston Hot Chicken.
“Stevenage is where Britain meets Houston Hot Chicken for the very first time and we’ve got every intention of making sure it’s impossible to ignore.”
Meanwhile, Houston Hot Chicken’s president, Brian Simowitz, said: “We’ve spent the last few years proving we can shake up cities across America. Now it’s Britain’s turn. Stevenage is first, and we’re excited to light the fuse.”
What is on the Houston Hot Chicken menu?
It’s yet to be confirmed if all items from the US menu will be transported to Britain.
If so, then customers can expect to sample chicken loaded fries, Southwest salads, chicken tortilla soup, and various sauces, including Cilantro Ranch, maple syrup, and Texas Ceaser dressing.
Chicken is available to purchase in the following heat levels:
- No spice
- Honey butter
- Mild
- Buffalo
- Medium
- Spicy
- Lift-Off
- Houston, We Have A Problem.
In terms of drinks and sweet treats, expect creamy milkshakes, soft and chewy cookies, and fountain drinks, including Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and Pepsi.
Ella Scott