Angry Chickz is Bringing the Heat to Austin with Fiery Expansion Plans
Get ready, Austin — something spicy is coming your way. Angry Chickz, the bold Nashville hot chicken brand that’s amassed a cult following across the West Coast, is officially setting its sights on Central Texas.
As part of its largest expansion yet, Angry Chickz will be opening 25 new restaurants across Texas and New Mexico over the next five years, with multiple locations planned to dot metro areas like Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Longview, Wichita Falls, and West Texas cities like Amarillo, Lubbock, and Midland-Odessa, along with New Mexico’s Albuquerque.
The first Texas location opened in Houston in April 2024, and now the buzz is building in Austin as fans await their turn for the crave-worthy heat.
From One Small Store to a Spicy Sensation
Angry Chickz began as a passion project in 2017 when founder David Mkhitaryan fell in love with Nashville hot chicken. A lifelong spice lover, Mkhitaryan experimented for a year before launching the first location — a modest 900-square-foot space in East Hollywood — in 2018 with help from his wife and best friend.
Since then, the brand has exploded, with 33 restaurants now operating in California, Arizona, and Nevada. The chain is known for its high-energy atmosphere, bold flavors, and a menu that delivers comfort food with a kick — from hot chicken sliders and tenders to hearty bowls topped with secret sauce, mac & cheese, and slaw.
And don’t worry — for the heat-averse, the spice scale ranges from “Country” (no heat) to full-on “Angry,” offering options for every palate.
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A Fan-Driven Movement
“This is a major step for us,” said Mike LaRue, Vice President of Franchise Development at Angry Chickz. “We’ve been hearing from fans in Texas and New Mexico for years asking us to come to their community, and now we’ve found the right partners to make it happen. They understand the bold flavor, the high energy, and the insane fire that define Angry Chickz.”
The Austin expansion is part of a carefully planned rollout, aiming to bring the brand’s signature spice to food lovers across the Southwest. The plan is simple: serve consistently juicy, flavorful, and fiery chicken — and let the food speak for itself.
“It’s all about momentum,” LaRue added. “Our fans try it once, fall in love, and spread the word. Simple, flavorful food that connects fast – that’s the Angry Chickz effect.”
What to Expect on the Menu
Angry Chickz fans can expect a fiery menu that includes:
- Sliders and Tenders: Served on toast or buttery rice with coleslaw, pickles, and fries.
- “Angry Mac”: A decadent mix of chopped hot chicken, fries, creamy mac & cheese, and secret sauce.
- “Hangry Fix”: Two tenders over rice with sides of mac & cheese, slaw, and sauce — perfect for a big appetite.
- Customizable Spice Levels: From heat-free to blazing-hot, there’s something for everyone.
Sides include fries, rice, slaw, mac & cheese, and extra tenders or sliders. Beverage choices range from classic fountain drinks to raspberry iced tea.
Austin’s Hot Chicken Scene Heats Up
With its strong food culture and love for bold flavors, Austin is a natural fit for Angry Chickz. As the city continues to attract national and regional food brands, the arrival of this California favorite is sure to spice up the local culinary scene — and possibly start some new heat-fueled food rivalries.
The exact opening dates and locations in Austin haven’t been announced yet, but fans can expect the first wave of stores to start appearing in 2026.
For more information and to check out the full menu, visit AngryChickz.com.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.