Founded in 2016 in Chicago, Illinois, The Budlong Hot Chicken brings the bold, spicy flavors of Nashville-style hot chicken to the Midwest. Known for its authentic Southern roots, the brand serves up fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, and comforting sides like mac and cheese and banana pudding.

The company is headquartered in Chicago and began franchising in 2023 under the leadership of Craveworthy Brands, led by former Jimmy John’s CEO Gregg Majewski.

The Budlong stands out with its chef-curated, scratch-made menu that focuses on flavor and quality. Each meal is prepared to order, allowing guests to choose their preferred spice level. This attention to detail, paired with Southern hospitality and fresh ingredients, distinguishes The Budlong in the competitive fast-casual chicken space.

Training

The Budlong Hot Chicken provides a structured training program to ensure franchisees operate effectively within brand standards:

1. Initial Training Program: The Operating Principal and up to two key management personnel must attend and successfully complete an initial training program prior to opening. This training spans 2 to 3 weeks and includes 20 hours of virtual classroom training and 30 hours of on-the-job training at a certified training restaurant. Topics covered include restaurant operations, equipment usage, customer service, marketing, and cost control.
2. Refresher and Supplemental Training: The franchisor may require the Operating Principal and Principal Owner to attend additional training sessions or refresher programs. These sessions are adjusted based on the attendee's experience and are essential for maintaining operational standards.
3. Opening Assistance: The franchisor provides at least 40 hours of support during the restaurant's launch phase, which may include onsite help. Franchisees are responsible for associated travel and lodging expenses of the franchisor’s representatives.

Territory Protection

The Budlong Hot Chicken grants its franchisees a "Protected Territory" defined at the time of signing the Franchise Agreement and identified in Exhibit A. This territory is typically delineated by a radius or other geographic boundary around the restaurant location, and its size depends on factors like population density and area demographics.

As long as the franchisee complies with the terms of the agreement, the franchisor will not open or franchise another Budlong location within the Protected Territory during the term of the agreement.

However, The Budlong Hot Chicken explicitly states that franchisees do not receive an exclusive territory. The franchisor reserves the right to operate or license others to operate restaurants outside the Protected Territory and at non-traditional venues such as airports, malls, and universities—even within the Protected Territory.