The US-born fried chicken concept is set to make its UK debut as part of Pizza Express’ plans to launch three Houston Hot Chicken restaurants this year, following its acquisition of the brand’s UK franchise rights.
Houston Hot Chicken specialises in Nashville-style hot chicken, offering tenders, waffles, nuggets and a range of sandwiches. Customers can choose from a variety of spice levels, including the signature ‘Houston, We Have A Problem’ heat level, which the company says measures two million Scoville Heat Units and requires diners to sign a waiver before ordering.
The UK launch follows a similar move by Azzurri Group, which introduced rival brand Dave’s Hot Chicken to the market last year.
Founded in 2020, Houston Hot Chicken has expanded rapidly across the US and was ranked No. 217 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Pizza Express plans to open 50 Houston Hot Chicken restaurants across the UK over the next three years. The brand is backed by restaurant-focused private equity firm Savory Fund, which has invested in a number of US foodservice brands, including Swig.
Paula MacKenzie, group chief executive of Pizza Express, Mac & Wings and Houston Hot Chicken, said: “Houston Hot Chicken has attitude. It has personality. And it knows how to make an entrance. Stevenage is where Britain meets Houston Hot Chicken for the very first time and we’ve got every intention of making sure it’s impossible to ignore.”
Brian Simowitz, president of Houston Hot Chicken, added: “We’ve spent the last few years proving we can shake up cities across America. Now it’s Britain’s turn. Stevenage is first, and we’re excited to light the fuse.”