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.

Training

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.