The Red Chickz Fires Up the Sooner State with First Oklahoma Franchise Deal
California’s Hottest Chicken Franchise Spreads its Wings to Oklahoma City with New Franchise Partner Jay Riaz
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Red Chickz, the fast-casual powerhouse known for its bold
West Coast spin on the crunchiest, most flavorful Nashville Hot Chicken, is continuing
its nationwide expansion with a fiery new franchise agreement in Oklahoma. The brand
has officially signed its first-ever deal in the Sooner State, bringing its sizzling flavors
and viral fanbase to Oklahoma City.
Leading the charge is new franchisee Jay Riaz, who will introduce The Red Chickz’ to
the heart of Oklahoma City. This marks a significant milestone for the California-based
brand, adding another state to its rapidly growing national footprint.
“This expansion into Oklahoma represents another exciting chapter in The Red Chickz
journey,” said Shawn Lalehzarian, Co-Founder and CEO of The Red Chickz. “We’re
thrilled to partner with Jay Riaz to bring our signature heat and crunch to Oklahoma
City. The energy and opportunity in this market perfectly align with our mission to deliver
high-quality, crave-worthy food and an unforgettable experience to chicken lovers
nationwide.”
Hot Chicken with a Kick – Now Coming to Oklahoma City
Since opening its first location in Downtown Los Angeles, The Red Chickz has gained
national attention for reinventing Nashville Hot Chicken with a California twist. The
brand has developed a cult following thanks to its viral social media presence,
innovative menu, and commitment to culinary excellence.
With options ranging from Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches in seven spice levels to
inventive creations like the Honey Butter Sandwich and Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos,
The Red Chickz is redefining what it means to serve comfort food in the fast-casual
space.
“We’re seeing incredible momentum across the country, and Oklahoma is the perfect
place for The Red Chickz to thrive,” said Spencer Sabatasso, VP of Development at
The Red Chickz. “Jay Riaz is the kind of dedicated, passionate entrepreneur we look
for in a franchise partner. With his local insights and high energy, we’re confident this
location will become a local favorite in no time.”
A Franchise Built for Long-Term Success
The Red Chickz is catching the attention of entrepreneurs and operators across the
country thanks to its smart business model, strong unit economics, and efficient
operations. With franchise agreements already signed in Texas, California, North
Carolina, and New Jersey, the brand continues to grow with purpose and momentum.
“We’re not just chasing a trend—we’ve built a concept that’s designed to last,” added
Sabatasso. “From our menu to our culture, everything we do is focused on quality,
innovation, and giving people the best experience.”
For more information about The Red Chickz or to learn more about franchise
opportunities, visit https://theredchickzfranchise.com or email
franchise@theredchickz.com.
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About The Red Chickz
Since 2018, Shawn Lalehzarian’s dream of opening a concept restaurant based on his
trip to discover the secret to making the perfect Nashville Hot Chicken has become a
reality. The Red Chickz puts its West Coast spin on the Southern favorite, offering the
most innovative menu within the hot chicken segment. The menu features items like
Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches available in six different spice levels, and more
unconventional items like their Honey Butter Sandwich, French Toast Sandwich, Tacos,
and Cauliflower options, and sides like cheese curds and corn ribs in addition to classic
options. As of 2022, the brand has made its tagline, “Hotter Than You,” come to life with
acknowledgments from national food publications such as Nation’s Restaurant News’
The Power List and QSR’s 40/40 list, praising Lalehzarian’s strong leadership and The
Red Chickz continued innovation in food and technology within the fast-casual dining
space.
Today, The Red Chickz has five locations open in Los Angeles, CA, Culver City, CA, Carlsbad,
CA, Fresno, CA, and Cypress, TX, with an additional 26 locations in development to bring the
crunchiest, most flavorful chicken to communities across the nation. Check out pictures and
videos of their delicious food on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.