The Red Chickz brings West Coast hot chicken to NJ

Kimberly Redmond//October 24, 2025//

Founded in 2018, The Red Chickz puts its West Coast spin on the Southern favorite: Nashville hot chicken. - PROVIDED BY THE RED CHICKZ

Kimberly Redmond//October 24, 2025//

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The Red Chickz, a fast-casual brand that puts a West Coast twist on hot chicken, is seeking to spice things up in New Jersey.

In addition to signing leases in Marlton and Ewing, the Los Angeles-based franchise executed a multi-unit development deal for New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Edison and Metuchen, according to an Oct. 20 news release.

The Red Chickz menu features Nashville hot chicken sandwiches in seven spice levels and unconventional items, like French toast sandwiches and chicken tacos. Additionally, it serves sides such as cauliflower bites, waffles, corn ribs and potato wedges.

That unique menu has helped The Red Chickz, founded in 2018, amass more than 1.2 million followers on TikTok.

Currently, the chain has five restaurants in California and one in Texas, with 45 more locations in development across North Carolina, Texas, Connecticut, Alabama and Oklahoma.

Within New Jersey, the site in Marlton is being franchised by Walter Johnson, while one in Marlton will be developed by Kevin Patel and Arpan Patel. Franchisee Jordan Modi will open The Red Chickz in New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Edison and Metuchen, the brand said.

The company did not specify when or where the restaurants will open.

‘A massive moment’

Founded in 2018, The Red Chickz menu features Nashville hot chicken in six spice levels. — The Red Chickz’s unique menu has helped the eatery amass more than 1.2 million followers on TikTok. – PROVIDED BY THE RED CHICKZ

The Red Chickz announced a three-unit development deal last fall to develop sites in Gloucester Township, Washington Township and Mantua Township. Additional details regarding when those outposts will launch were not immediately available.

Shawn Lalehzarian, co-founder and CEO of The Red Chickz, remarked, “This wave of expansion in New Jersey is a massive moment for our brand. From the diversity of the communities to the hunger for bold, quality food, New Jersey has all the perfect ingredients for our next chapter of growth. We’re thrilled to welcome Walter, Kevin, Arpan, and Jordan into our growing franchise family.”

Within the past two years, other hot chicken chains have launched in New Jersey, including: