The Nashville hot chicken craze shows no signs of cooling off, and now one of the fastest-growing players in the category is turning up the heat nationwide. Angry Chickz, the Los Angeles–born brand known for its fiery tenders and unapologetically bold flavor, just announced plans for major expansion following a new investment deal with Saratoga Investment Corp.
Founded in 2018 by David Mkhitaryan, Angry Chickz began as a 900-square-foot storefront in East Hollywood and quickly built a loyal following through word-of-mouth, social buzz, and a straightforward menu that put flavor first. In just seven years, through a mix of word-of-mouth hype, social media buzz, and a loyal fan base, it’s grown into a regional powerhouse with 33 locations across California, Arizona, and Texas, and more than 50 expected by next year.
That fan enthusiasm helped catch the attention of Saratoga Investment Corp., a publicly traded firm with a track record of scaling high-growth consumer brands. The new partnership gives Angry Chickz the capital and strategic support to expand across the country. In a recent press release, CEO Mkhitaryan said the deal represents a chance to scale without sacrificing what made the brand special in the first place. “We’re thrilled to partner with Saratoga as we continue building Angry Chickz into a national brand. This investment provides the capital and strategic support we need to accelerate growth while maintaining the quality and culture that define our success.”
Thinks Are About to Heat Up
The timing couldn’t be better. Nashville hot chicken has become one of the most competitive categories in fast casual dining, with heavyweights like Dave’s Hot Chicken, Joella’s Hot Chicken, and Hattie B’s all vying for dominance. Angry Chickz has carved out its niche by keeping the focus tight: limited menu, fast service, and recipes that emphasize flavor over gimmicks. Its sauce levels, ranging from “mild” to “angry” have become a badge of honor for fans who want to test their spice tolerance. Its best-seller—the “Angry Combo,” featuring extra-crispy tenders, mac & cheese, and pickles on toasted bread, has become a cult favorite that regularly draws lines around the block.
Saratoga’s co-managing partner and chief investment officer Mike Grisius called Angry Chickz “a highly compelling platform in the QSR chicken category,” citing its strong brand, operational discipline, and standout unit performance. The company ranks among the industry’s top performers in both unit economics and guest satisfaction, key indicators that its model can hold up under rapid expansion.
With this round of capital secured, Angry Chickz plans to accelerate development in new markets throughout the West, Southwest, and Southeast, bringing its signature blend of heat, crunch, and culture to a lot more zip codes.
So whether you’ve already braved their “Angry” spice level or are still waiting for your first taste, keep an eye on your local dining scene. Chances are, those unmistakable red-and-white boxes might be landing closer than you think. And if history repeats itself, expect each launch to come with fanfare, give-aways, and lines.
