Fast-casual Nashville hot chicken concept builds on Northeast momentum with Springfield-area additions
Springfield, MA (Restaurant News Release) Haven Hot Chicken has signed a three-unit franchise agreement with local entrepreneurs Nate and Whitney Tupper of 1779 Hot Ventures, LLC. The development will bring restaurants to Springfield, West Springfield and Chicopee, with the first location expected to open in late 2026.
The husband-and-wife team, who also operate a Jersey Mike’s Subs franchise in Longmeadow discovered Haven Hot Chicken during frequent trips to Connecticut – becoming regulars before exploring development opportunities. As they learned more about the brand, the Tuppers pointed to its hands-on onboarding process and operator support as key factors in their decision to develop multiple units.
“When we first tried Haven, we were blown away,” Nate Tupper said. “The food was unlike anything we had experienced in the hot chicken space, and every visit reinforced that impression. As we learned more about the company, we saw a team deeply invested in its quality and people. That level of care, combined with a product we genuinely believe in, made the decision an easy one, and we can’t wait to introduce it to Western Massachusetts.”
Founded by four seasoned restaurateurs after multiple trips to Music City and hundreds of test recipes, Haven Hot Chicken was among the first fully dedicated Nashville hot chicken concepts in New England. The brand serves crispy and grilled chicken across five heat levels ranging from Country to Haven, complemented by house-made sides and their famous scratch-made sauces. Haven also supports The Greater Boston Food Bank through The Great Banana Puddin’ Drive, which donates the cost of one meal to the organization for every Banana Pudding sold.
“Nate and Whitney’s journey with Haven started the same way it does for so many of our guests – they tried the food and just kept coming back,” said Rob LaTronica, chief quality officer and co-founder of Haven Hot Chicken. “As experienced operators, they understand that great restaurants are built on quality, consistency, hospitality and strong community connections. Those values align closely with our own, and we’re confident they’ll bring the same level of care and commitment to Haven as they introduce the brand to the Springfield community.”
This latest agreement marks Haven Hot Chicken’s second franchise development in Massachusetts, joining the brand’s existing location in Franklin. Guided by its mission to satisfy the world’s craving for something better, Haven continues to expand while remaining focused on bringing people together through great food, genuine hospitality and local impact.
For more information about Haven Hot Chicken, visit HavenHotChicken.com. For franchising information or opportunities, visit HavenHotChicken.com/franchise.
About Haven Hot Chicken
Founded in 2020 in New Haven, Connecticut, Haven Hot Chicken is redefining fast-casual hot chicken with a mission to satisfy the world’s craving for something better. Known for its Crispy, Crunchy, Juicy, Spicy, Delicious chicken (CCJSD) and insanely juicy Grilled Chicken offerings, Haven serves house-crafted sauces, craveable sides, seasonal limited-time offerings and THE Sandwich, named Food Network‘s “Best Bite in Town” Grand Champion. Built on a foundation of hospitality and community, the brand is committed to creating exceptional experiences for guests and team members while supporting local partnerships and charitable initiatives.
Haven has been recognized by leading industry publications, including a spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, QSR’s 2024 40/40 List of America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals and one of the “8 Best Hot Chicken Chains in America” by Eat This, Not That. For more information, visit HavenHotChicken.com and follow @havenhotchicken on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Contact:
Alex Frye
Champion
214-641-0746
afrye@championmgt.com