In bold affirmation of the “Nashville Hot” culinary wave, Savory’s investment has the hot chicken hotspot fired up for explosive growth
Lehi, UT (Restaurant News Release) Savory Fund is bringing the heat. The innovative private equity firm today announced its strategic investment in Houston TX Hot Chicken – a standout star of the “hot chicken” phenomenon.
This move signals Savory’s notable confidence not only in the rising profile of these popular flavors in the American culinary scene, but also in the successful business model of Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC) – one ripe for franchising opportunities.
The brainchild of entrepreneur and founder Edmond Barseghian, HHC currently has 11 locations across six states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Texas and Utah). Founded in 2021, the brand embodies both authenticity and commercial appeal, a culinary combination that has heat-seekers all over making HHC their new go-to dining destination.
“HHC has been a manifestation of my relentless dedication to crafting a concept that marries the nostalgic allure of home-style quality recipes with a colorful, modern and warm industrial atmosphere all guests can appreciate,” Barseghian said. “This collaboration with Savory Fund transcends a merger; it signifies the harmonious convergence of two passionate forces, both driven by a shared vision of uncompromising excellence.”
Barseghian continued: “Together, we’re primed to amplify our operational capabilities. The journey ahead is electrifying, and I cannot wait to share the HHC experience with every corner of the country.”
HHC is a unique eatery known for its hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, salads, soup, waffle shakes and loaded fries. Its seven signature sauces range from “No Spice” to “Honey Butter“ and “Liftoff” to “Houston, We Have a Problem!” (Get your waivers ready for that last one!)
The market for Nashville hot chicken, a niche previously catered to by local, family-run businesses, is experiencing a mainstream renaissance. Savory’s investment aligns with this momentum, signaling a future where Nashville hot chicken transitions from trend to staple in American dining.
“Savory has been monitoring this flavor segment for the past five years. We have met with and evaluated many brands attempting to do what HHC has already accomplished, and we are thrilled to make this strategic investment,” said Andrew K. Smith, co-founder and managing partner of Savory Fund. “We are confident in HHC’s potential to lead the Nashville hot chicken wave, particularly as we look toward franchising. Edmond and his team are ready to turn a local hotspot from Las Vegas into a national success story through additional corporate growth and franchising.”
The landscape of fast-casual dining is set for a spicy shakeup. Consumer preferences are shifting toward dining experiences that offer both authenticity and novelty, and innovative industry players like Savory are taking the lead by elevating unique, region-specific cuisines.
It’s a shift that has always been in Savory’s DNA: Swig. Via 313. Hash Kitchen. PINCHO. Mo’ Bettahs. Savory’s investments have consistently offered regional charm with national appeal.
“HHC has all the ingredients ripe for a successful scale: strong unit economics, a solid leadership team and an experience that resonates with guests,” said Taylor DeHart, principal of Savory Fund. “That impressive foundation, coupled with Savory’s growth expertise and capital, is an unstoppable combination. We foresee HHC establishing a powerful national presence in the years to come.”
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Harrington Park Advisors served as exclusive financial advisor to Houston TX Hot Chicken. Mayer Brown LLP served as legal advisor to Savory Fund, and Greenberg Traurig served as legal advisor to Houston TX Hot Chicken.
For in-depth insights and exclusive interviews, contact: Amy Utley at autley@championmgt.com.
About Savory Fund
Savory Fund is an innovative private equity firm that combines over $600 million in assets under management with a growth playbook and expertise that has been developed over 15 years of operating in the restaurant industry. Savory partners with high-potential, profitable, emerging restaurant brands, to deliver financial capital, industry expertise, growth and revenue opportunities, profitability enhancements and new location development. The Savory team contributes directly to all aspects of growth and replication by using a proven playbook and methodology. Founder involvement in the expansion of a brand is a central theme of the Savory approach as founders carry the tribal knowledge around the uniqueness that has energized early success and is essential to future growth. The Savory Fund has invested in 9 brands: Swig, R&R BBQ, PINCHO, Via 313 Pizzeria, Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food, 86 Repairs, Saigon Hustle, Hash Kitchen, and The Sicilian Butcher. For more information, visit SavoryFund.com.
About Houston TX Hot Chicken
Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC) is a fast-casual restaurant brand offering delicious Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and other southern-inspired favorites. The ingredients are all natural, sourced responsibly, free range and never frozen. HHC was founded in 2021 by Edmond Barseghian and has 11 locations across six states: Nevada, Texas, Utah, California, Idaho, and Arizona. HHC has been voted one of the Top Places to Eat by Yelp two years running, and is one of the fastest-growing hot chicken concepts in the country. For more information, visit https://www.hhc.ooo.
Contact:
Amy Utley
Champion
972-930-9933
autley@championmgt.com