Since 2018, Shawn Lalehzarian’s dream of opening a concept restaurant based on his trip to discover the secret to making the perfect Nashville hot chicken has become a reality. The Red Chickz puts its 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 their honey butter sandwich, French toast sandwich, tacos, and cauliflower options, and sides like cheese curds and corn ribs in addition to classic options.
Today, The Red Chickz has five locations open in Los Angeles, CA, Culver City, CA, Carlsbad, CA, Fresno, CA, and Cypress, TX, with an additional 26 locations in development and more on the way with franchising opportunities to bring the crunchiest, most flavorful chicken to communities across the nation.
Spencer Sabatasso is the VP of Franchise Development at The Red Chickz. He brings to the table nearly three decades of experience in the franchise and restaurant industries, previously holding executive positions with Baja Sharkeez, Fatburger, and Sweetwater Prime Seafood. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales and Franchise Development for notable franchise development and consulting firm Fransmart.
Franchise Chatter (FC): Can you share a brief overview of The Red Chickz and what differentiates it from competitors, especially with Nashville-style hot chicken trending in social media and the QSR space right now?
Spencer Sabatasso (SS): What truly sets us apart is our unique menu mix, featuring exceptional quality and bold flavors, combined with strong store-level economics, and streamlined operations. We’re driven by a serious commitment to business, customer service, and flawless execution, all while maintaining a fun and approachable brand.
FC: How does the West Coast/L.A. take on hot chicken compare to other regions? Where does The Red Chickz fit in? Are there notable differences in flavor profiles, serving suggestions, etc.?
SS: The hot chicken scene is a melting pot of culinary influences, reflecting an incredible diversity. You see a fusion of flavors from various cultures, resulting in unique spice blends and serving styles. Compared to more regionalized takes, L.A. is about experimentation and pushing boundaries. At Red Chickz, we’ve embraced this spirit by creating a menu that draws inspiration from both Nashville traditions and the diverse culinary landscape of the West Coast.
We offer a wider range of flavor profiles, and menu offerings, from our classic hot chicken to our vegetarian-friendly options, catering to the diverse palates of our customers. We’re not just offering hot chicken; we’re pushing boundaries by highlighting the innovative possibilities of hot chicken.
FC: What are some key milestones in The Red Chickz’s franchise expansion, and what’s driving its growth?
SS: Our franchise expansion at The Red Chickz has been driven by a few key milestones. We spent significant time perfecting our core product and operational model before aggressively pursuing franchise growth. This foundation, focusing on quality ingredients, unique flavor profiles, and streamlined operations, has been crucial.
Our strategic expansion into key markets, starting with California and then branching out, has generated significant brand awareness and demand. We’ve focused on building a strong presence in regions with a high appetite for bold flavors and a vibrant food scene.
Finally, our commitment to providing comprehensive franchisee support, from site selection and training to ongoing marketing and operational assistance, has empowered our franchisees to succeed.
FC: The brand recently unveiled its newest permanent menu item, the loaded buffalo mac n’ cheese, which was created by a franchisee. What can you say along the lines of including franchisee feedback and innovation in the process of creating new menu items and processes?
SS: The launch of our loaded buffalo mac n’ cheese, created by one of our franchisees, perfectly illustrates our commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. We deeply value the insights and creativity of our franchisees, who are on the front lines, interacting with our customers daily. We believe that our franchisees are our partners in growth, and their feedback is invaluable. We actively encourage them to share their ideas, whether it’s for new menu items, operational improvements, or marketing strategies. We have implemented processes to ensure that this feedback is heard and considered.
FC: Do you plan on encouraging future franchisee and franchisor collaboration as it relates to new products? Why or why not?
SS: 100%, innovation is essential for staying competitive in the ever-evolving food industry. By encouraging collaboration, we tap into a diverse pool of creativity and expertise, allowing us to develop unique and exciting menu items that set us apart from the competition.
FC: What are the most important qualities (personal or professional) that you look for in a franchise candidate?
SS: We’re looking for passionate individuals who execute with precision. Professionals who deliver on their promises, and adaptable groups willing to follow our playbook for success. We’re building a team committed to excellence and continuous growth.
FC: What’s next for The Red Chickz? Are there any exciting innovations or strategic initiatives on the horizon?
SS: The future of Red Chickz is incredibly exciting! We’re building on our strong foundation and are focused on strategic growth and innovation.
We’re continuing to refine our operational model and enhance our franchisee support system to ensure seamless expansion and consistent brand experience. We’re investing in technology and training to empower our franchisees and optimize efficiency.
Through our expansion, targeting key markets across the U.S. and beyond, we recognize the evolving consumer landscape. As a result, we have developed drive-thru prototypes and will implement them in strategic markets and locations, offering our customers added convenience and accessibility.
FC: Where are you bringing hot chicken next?
SS: With 26 units in development, we’re bringing our unique West Coast take on hot chicken to a variety of exciting locations! We’re prioritizing strategic expansion into markets with a strong appetite for bold flavors and a vibrant food scene.
