Make sure you follow the geography on this: The Red Chickz, a fast-casual restaurant based in Los Angeles that features Nashville-style hot chicken, is coming to South Jersey.
The brand announced Tuesday that it is signing a three-unit development deal for three Gloucester County locations: Mantua Township, Washington Township and Gloucester Township.
CEO Shawn Lalehzarian, who co-founded the brand in 2018, said he’s thrilled to introduce the brand’s “Hotter Than You” Chicken to New Jersey.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Lalehzarian said the Red Chickz puts a West Coast spin on the Southern favorite, offering the most innovative menu within the hot chicken segment.
The menu features items like Nashville hot chicken sandwiches available in six different spice levels, and more unconventional items like the Honey Butter Sandwich, French Toast Sandwich, tacos and cauliflower options — and sides like cheese curds and corn ribs in addition to classic options.
Spencer Sabatasso, vice president of development at the Red Chickz, said the brand brings something new to an already-crowded chicken restaurant sector.
“This isn’t just another hot chicken concept — it’s the next big (quick service restaurant) 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’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.”
The Red Chickz has four locations open — three in California (Los Angeles, Culver City and Carlsbad) and one in Texas (Cypress) — with an additional 24 locations in development.
