Houston TX Hot Chicken, launched in Las Vegas in 2021, is preparing to open its first UK locations this year and expand its franchise network, with a focus on the West Coast and international growth.
Houston TX Hot Chicken, a fast-casual fried chicken chain founded in Las Vegas in 2021, is preparing for its first international expansion with new locations planned for the United Kingdom. The company, which operates around 30 restaurants across nine U.S. states—including six in the Las Vegas Valley—announced it will open three UK outposts this year as part of a broader strategy to grow both domestically and abroad.
The chain, known for its Nashville hot-chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and spice levels ranging from mild to extremely hot, has become a familiar name in Southern Nevada’s dining scene. Its Las Vegas corporate office is located in the southwest valley on Ponderosa Way at Rainbow Boulevard.
Leadership and Franchise Growth
In August, Houston TX Hot Chicken brought on Ashley Prokos as senior director of franchise sales. According to the company, Prokos is responsible for recruiting new franchisees to drive the next phase of expansion. She told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that her immediate focus is on adding operators along the West Coast before targeting growth further east. While franchise agreements do not require owners to open multiple locations, the company is seeking partners interested in expanding their footprint over time.
International Plans and UK Launch
The company’s first international move was announced in June, when Houston TX Hot Chicken signed a master franchise agreement with London-based PizzaExpress. The deal calls for three UK locations to open in 2024, with a goal of reaching 50 sites across the country within three years. This marks a significant step for the Las Vegas-based brand as it seeks to establish itself in new markets outside the United States.
Investment and Business Backing
Houston TX Hot Chicken is backed by Savory Fund, a Utah-based restaurant investment firm that invested in the brand in November 2023. While the terms of the investment were not disclosed, the parent company, HHC Worldwide Inc., reported raising $12 million that same month, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company’s expansion comes as other hospitality businesses in Las Vegas and beyond look to grow their presence, similar to recent moves by local operators such as the Plaza Hotel & Casino, which launched a new high-limit slot room in downtown Las Vegas (see coverage here).
What’s Next for Las Vegas and Beyond
With a mix of corporate-owned and franchised locations, Houston TX Hot Chicken is positioning itself for continued growth in Southern Nevada and new markets. The company’s expansion into the UK signals a broader ambition to bring its Las Vegas-rooted brand to international audiences, while maintaining a strong presence in its home city and across the U.S.
