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The Red Chickz, a fast-casual brand that serves up a West Coast twist on hot chicken, is spreading its wings in New Jersey.

After signing a multi-unit development deal, the Los Angeles-based franchise plans to make its in-state debut in Mantua Township, Washington Township and Gloucester Township.

Founded in 2018, The Red Chickz menu features Nashville hot chicken sandwiches in six spice levels. It also offers unconventional items, like French toast sandwiches, chicken tacos and cauliflower options. Additionally it features sides, such as cheese curds, corn ribs and potato wedges.

Since opening, The Red Chickz has amassed more than 1.1 million followers on TikTok for its innovative menu.

Currently, the chain has three restaurants in California and one in Texas, with two dozen more locations in development. Additionally, it ships nationwide through Goldbelly. 

Shawn Lalehzarian, co-founder and CEO of The Red Chickz, commented, “Expanding into the Garden State is an incredibly exciting milestone for us, as we continue to share our unique West Coast spin on Nashville Hot Chicken with new fans across the country.”

“New Jersey’s diverse and dynamic communities make it the perfect place for us to introduce the East Coast to The Red Chickz experience, where crunch meets spice in an unbeatable combination, and we look forward to becoming a staple across New Jersey,” he said.

Hot concept

The franchise did not yet say where or when it expects to open in New Jersey. Within the past year, other hot chicken chains have launched locally, including Daddy’s Chicken Shack, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Big Chicken and Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken.

The Red Chickz Vice President of Development Spencer Sabatasso dismissed his brand as “just another hot chicken concept.”

“It’s the next big QSR opportunity,” he said. “While hot chicken has been around for decades, The Red Chickz offers an innovative twist that sets us apart and elevates the classic Nashville Hot experience. We serve the crunchiest, most flavorful tenders with or without the Nashville Hot kick.”

Sabatasso went on to say, “Backed by strong unit economics, streamlined operations, and an efficient labor model, The Red Chickz offers a promising opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to grow in the fast-casual space. We’re redefining what it means to serve Nashville Hot Chicken, embracing both tradition and innovation. This combination of authenticity and creativity is what sets us apart and fuels our continued success. We’re not just serving Nashville Hot cuisine; we’re creating happy experiences that resonate with our obsessed customers.”