---
title: "The Red Chickz heats up in two regions"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/37e9ec56-945d-4a6a-b4da-f66d87bf1783
source: "Franchise Magazine USA"
original_url: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/the-red-chickz-heats-up-in-two-regions/
author: "Andrew Carlo"
category: "Chicken"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Chicken"
published: 2026-03-03T16:49:37.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T00:53:20.249Z
image: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Red-Chickz-Northeast.jpg
---

# The Red Chickz heats up in two regions

**TL;DR:** The Red Chickz signs new franchise agreements for development in Alabama, Georgia, and Connecticut, expanding its presence in the Northeast and Southeast regions. The brand now has 55 locations in development nationally.

*By Andrew Carlo, originally published in Franchise Magazine USA on 2026-03-03. [Read the original](https://franchisemagazineusa.com/the-red-chickz-heats-up-in-two-regions/).*

## Story

The Red Chickz reports that it is bringing its West Coast take on Nashville Hot Chicken to markets in the Northeast and Southeast.

The franchise announced that it signed new franchise agreements for development in Alabama, Georgia, and Connecticut.

“This is exactly the kind of growth we’re focused on: strategic, intentional, and aligned with strong franchise partners in dynamic markets,” said Shawn Lalehzarian, co-founder and CEO of The Red Chickz. “Alabama, Connecticut, and Georgia each present incredible opportunities for us to introduce our bold flavors and high-energy dining experience to new communities across the country.”

The fast casual brand now has 55 locations in development nationally, with additional multi-unit agreements expected throughout 2026. This includes franchise agreements in California, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Texas, among others.

According to The Red Chickz, the Southeast continues to “prove itself as a natural fit.” The Connecticut agreement marks the brand’s entry into New England.

“We’re expanding with purpose,” said Spencer Sabatasso, vice president of development for The Red Chickz. “Our model is built for scalability, strong unit economics, and operational simplicity. These new agreements reflect the confidence franchisees have in what we’re building: a brand with real staying power, not just trend appeal.”

In January, The Red Chickz announced a new franchise agreement in Maryland. Franchise operator Sam Patel and his sister, and business partner, Phalguni Patel are behind the deal, which calls for three units.

Last December, the brand also revealed a new agreement for Oklahoma City led by franchisee Jau Riaz.

The Red Chickz opened its first location in downtown Los Angeles in 2018. The brand’s menu features Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches available in six different spice levels, along with its Honey Butter Sandwich, French toast sandwich, tacos, and cauliflower options.

The franchise said its drawing power has been fueled by viral social media traction, including 1.2 million followers on TikTok, and streamlined and efficient operational systems designed to support franchisee success. The Red Chickz currently has six locations open in California and Texas.

## Entities

- unit expansion (topic)
- QSR (sector)
- Franchise Magazine USA (publication)
- Georgia (location)
- franchise agreements (topic)
- Andrew Carlo (person)
- Alabama (location)
- Connecticut (location)
- regional growth (topic)
- The Red Chickz (company)
- Shawn Lalehzarian (person)
- fast casual brand (topic)

---
Originally reported by Andrew Carlo, Franchise Magazine USA (https://franchisemagazineusa.com/the-red-chickz-heats-up-in-two-regions/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/37e9ec56-945d-4a6a-b4da-f66d87bf1783).