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Angry Chickz Wraps 2025 With New Markets, Store Openings and National Industry Recognition

California-based hot chicken brand adds six locations, signs development agreements and enters the South


LOS ANGELES (Jan. 20, 2026) – Angry Chickz, the hot chicken concept known for its bold, customizable heat levels ranging from no heat country to sign-a-waver Angry, closed out 2025 following a year marked by strong systemwide performance and growing national visibility. With new restaurant openings, same-store sales up 21% and broad industry recognition, the brand enters 2026 with momentum and a clear strategy for continued expansion. Angry Chickz reached a significant milestone in 2025, opening its first restaurant in Houston, marking its debut in the Lone Star State after proven success across the West Coast. Additionally, the brand added five California locations, including Elk Grove, Fremont, Ventura, Victorville and La Quinta. Multi-unit area development agreements signed last year outline future sites in Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Texas and New Mexico, signaling sustained interest from operators planning long-term regional presence.

In addition to expansion,  Angry Chickz earned notable industry recognition and media attention, including:


  • No. 44 on QSR’s Top 50 Contenders List

  • QSR’s 9 Franchises to Watch for 2025

  • Recognition on the Franchise Times’ Top 400 List

  • Featured as a “Breakout Brand” by Franchise Times 

  • Quick Service Restaurant coverage on its streamlined menu strategy


Angry Chickz also announced new growth capital to support expansion, supply chain and franchisee services. The debt financing, secured from Saratoga Investment Corp., a publicly traded business development company focused on middle-market investments, positions the brand to scale its national footprint while maintaining operational consistency. The investment supports continued unit growth, strengthens backend infrastructure and provides additional resources to support franchisees as the system expands.

Company leadership actively engaged with the restaurant and franchising community, attending both the Restaurant Leadership Conference and the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference. Conversations focused on unit economics, consumer trends and long-term market strategy as the company evaluates future territories and new site opportunities.


“2025 was about proving we can grow responsibly while staying true to what made people fall in love with our food in the first place,” said David Mkhitaryan, founder of Angry Chickz. “Our partners showed confidence by committing to long-term markets, and our team stayed focused on operations, consistency and the guest experience. That discipline is what sets us up for a strong year ahead.”


Moving into 2026, priorities remain centered on opening additional restaurants in established and emerging markets, strengthening support systems for operators and continuing to deliver high-quality Nashville hot chicken with heat levels for every guest. With new states on the horizon and continued interest from multi-unit partners, Angry Chickz enters the new year primed for steady, sustainable growth.

To learn more about Angry Chickz and its franchise opportunities, visit angrychickz.com.


About Angry Chickz

Angry Chickz is a renowned Nashville hot chicken brand that has taken the West by storm. Founded by David Mkhitaryan in 2018, the brand quickly grew from a 900-square-foot storefront in LA’s East Hollywood neighborhood into a fan-favorite destination for bold, flavorful, spicy fried chicken and mac & cheese served with unmatched hospitality. With a passion for spice and craveable flavor, David perfected the recipe for Angry Chickz’s signature tenders – earning national recognition along the way. The brand has been featured in QSR’s “Ones to Watch,” QSR’s 40 Under 40: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals, and Fast Casual’s “20 Brands to Watch,” and was honored with Nation’s Restaurant News’ Hot Concepts Award. Most recently, Angry Chickz ranked #44 on QSR’s Top 50 Contenders, won Fast Casual’s Top 35 Movers & Shakers: Restaurant Marketing, secured the #410 spot on Franchise Times’ Top 400, and was named one of QSR’s “Nine Franchisors to Watch.” To learn more and see where Angry Chickz is headed next, visit AngryChickz.com. 

 

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None of the communications made through this web page should be construed as an offer to sell any “Angry Chickz” franchise in, nor is any such communication directed to the residents of, any jurisdiction requiring registration of the franchise before it is offered and sold in that jurisdiction. These jurisdictions include, but are not limited to, the states of: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Franchise offerings are made by Franchise Disclosure Document only. No “Angry Chickz” franchises will be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and declared effective by, such jurisdiction and the required Franchise Disclosure Document (if any) has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. If you have any questions concerning the registration status of “Angry Chickz” franchises in your jurisdiction, please contact Mike LaRue, at (818) 578-4361 or (818) 578-4394

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