Hot Chikn Kitchn Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Hot Chikn Kitchn is a fast-casual franchise offering elevated chicken sandwiches, tenders and comfort sides, serving millennials and lunch-dinner diners, and known for chef-driven taste, quality ingredients and modern franchise model.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
5
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$40,000
Investment
?
$206,000 - $688,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Hot Chikn Kitchn is a fast-casual dining brand launched in 2020 in Woodbridge, Virginia, by Mike Sarago, his son Anthony, and Chef Freddy Gilmore. The concept emerged during the height of the pandemic, built around the idea of creating memorable food experiences that bring people together through bold, flavorful dishes.
The company is based in Sarasota, Florida, and began offering franchise opportunities in December 2021. Since then, the brand has grown quickly in several states, driven by its commitment to quality, consistency, and its innovative take on the hot chicken category. Its menu focuses on Nashville-style hot chicken, featuring items such as chicken tenders, sandwiches, and a variety of spicy chicken selections.
All dishes are made to order and paired with proprietary sauces crafted from blends of peppers that deliver varying levels of heat. To meet modern customer expectations, the franchise offers a range of service formats, including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering.
Hot Chikn Kitchn stands out in a crowded market by combining its distinctive spice profiles with customizable heat levels and a strong emphasis on consistent execution across locations.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Hot Chikn Kitchn franchise is
$206,000 - $688,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$40,000
Travel/Living Expenses for Training
$3,000 – $6,000
Real Estate/Rent and Deposit
$5,000 – $20,000
Leasehold Improvements
$40,000 – $270,000
Buildout Management
$0 – $20,000
Equipment and Small Wares
$30,000 – $130,000
Mill Works and Furniture
$10,000 – $50,000
Signage
$5,000 – $20,000
Computer System
$6,000 – $8,000
Office Supplies
$500 – $2,500
Licenses and Permits (not including liquor license)
$1,000 – $7,000
Legal and Accounting
$1,000 – $6,000
Dues and Subscriptions
$500 – $1,000
Utility Deposits
$0 – $2,500
Insurance
$2,500 – $10,000
Initial Inventory
$6,000 – $10,000
Grand Opening Marketing Spend
$20,000
On-Site Training Fee
$5,000
Additional Funds – 3 months
$30,000 – $60,000
Total
$205,500 – $688,000
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$40,000
Travel/Living Expenses for Training
$3,000 – $6,000
Real Estate/Rent and Deposit
$5,000 – $20,000
Leasehold Improvements
$40,000 – $270,000
Buildout Management
$0 – $20,000
Equipment and Small Wares
$30,000 – $130,000
Mill Works and Furniture
$10,000 – $50,000
Signage
$5,000 – $20,000
Computer System
$6,000 – $8,000
Office Supplies
$500 – $2,500
Licenses and Permits (not including liquor license)
$1,000 – $7,000
Legal and Accounting
$1,000 – $6,000
Dues and Subscriptions
$500 – $1,000
Utility Deposits
$0 – $2,500
Insurance
$2,500 – $10,000
Initial Inventory
$6,000 – $10,000
Grand Opening Marketing Spend
$20,000
On-Site Training Fee
$5,000
Additional Funds – 3 months
$30,000 – $60,000
Total
$205,500 – $688,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Hot Chikn Kitchn's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Hot Chikn Kitchn had 7 total units in 2024, of which 5 were franchised-owned and 2 company-owned.
Hot Chikn Kitchn provides franchisees with a structured training program that is required for both operational readiness and brand compliance. These programs are primarily conducted before the restaurant opens and are essential to receive franchisor approval for launch. Training covers both theoretical system knowledge and practical restaurant operations.
Initial Training Program: This is held at the franchisor’s facility in Woodbridge, VA (or another location) for the franchisee and up to three managers. The training must be completed prior to opening, and attendees must first pass a food safety course like ServSafe.
Extra Practice Week: At least 60 days before opening, the Operating Principal and, if applicable, Director of Operations must attend an additional week of practical training. This includes online training and reinforces the hands-on components of restaurant operations.
On-Site Opening Assistance: Around the opening period, the franchisor provides up to 40 hours per week of on-site training over two weeks. This is a paid service, costing $5,000, and helps with setup, employee readiness, and brand standard compliance.
Territory Protection
Hot Chikn Kitchn offers its franchisees a defined territory, but this protection is limited in scope and subject to several exceptions. The franchisee’s territory is typically a 1-to-3-mile radius around the approved restaurant site, but in dense urban areas, it may be smaller, such as a two-block to 1-mile range.
Once designated, the franchisor will not license or operate another Hot Chikn Kitchn restaurant within that territory, provided the franchisee complies with the agreement. However, this territory is not exclusive. Hot Chikn Kitchn retains the right to operate or license restaurants under different names and to open Non-Traditional Restaurants anywhere, regardless of proximity.
Furthermore, delivery and catering services may operate across territories without compensating the franchisee, and there’s no right of first refusal for nearby franchises unless specified in an Area Development Agreement.
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