1851 Franchise’s Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises of 2026: Angry Chickz

• Brand: Angry Chickz
• Number of Units: 33
• Initial Investment Range: $603,000 - $1,323,000
• ROI Potential: $3,069,688 (Average Unit Volume for the top 33% of locations in 2024)
• Units Sold Last Year: 30+

Angry Chickz has officially earned a place on 1851 Franchise’s 2026 Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises list — a recognition that highlights brands shaping the future of franchising through innovation, momentum and strong demand. As interest from franchisees continues to climb, Angry Chickz is entering a pivotal phase of expansion.

“We believe Angry Chickz represents a highly compelling platform in the QSR chicken category,” Michael Grisius, co-managing partner and chief investment officer of Saratoga Investment Corp., a group that invested in the brand last year, said in a release. “The company’s strong brand, operational discipline and exceptional unit performance make it an outstanding growth investment opportunity.”

History and Origin Story

Angry Chickz was started by David Mkhitaryan, who was blown away after tasting Nashville-style hot chicken for the first time in 2017. In 2018, he opened a 900-square-foot storefront in East Hollywood.

Mkhitaryan carefully developed spice blends and cooking techniques to ensure each piece of Angry Chickz chicken delivered the flavor and texture consumers crave. By delivering flavor and heat reliably, the brand became a local favorite. Now, it’s driven by social media buzz and lines of fans anxious to test their limits with the “Angry” spice levels.

Why the Franchise Stands Out

In an already competitive chicken category, Angry Chickz stands out in a few key ways. Its menu is deliberately simple, centered around chicken tenders with classic sides like coleslaw, fries and mac ’n cheese. That simplicity makes day-to-day operations easier while lowering labor, training, and overall costs.

The brand also brings an authentic, high-energy feel that connects with younger audiences and translates well across social platforms, helping fuel ongoing growth. When combined with strong unit-level economics that can rival or exceed some long-established chicken concepts, Angry Chickz presents an attractive opportunity for seasoned multi-unit operators.

System Growth and 2026 Momentum

2025 was a great growth year for Angry Chickz. The brand drove continued expansion and sealed a landmark 25-unit development deal across Texas and New Mexico.

"This is a major step for us. 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,” Mike LaRue, vice president of franchise development, told Restaurant News.

This deal, combined with others in Pennsylvania and Illinois, brings the total number of units awarded to more than 30, with the brand showing a clear focus on area developer and multi-unit deals. The specific markets entered also signal a shift from a regional favorite to a national player as Angry Chickz reaches beyond the West Coast.

Why Now Is the Moment for New Franchisees

The momentum behind Angry Chickz continues to grow, and for franchisees looking to invest, the brand is at a key inflection point. Having recently secured growth capital from Saratoga Investment Corp., which is specifically earmarked to fuel national expansion, Angry Chickz has a clear upward trajectory.

Angry Chickz also reported an over 20% increase in same-store sales at the midyear point in 2025. This growth, in conjunction with consistent new restaurant openings and continued interest from franchisees, shows that Angry Chickz isn’t just awarding or opening franchises for the sake of the unit count. Rather, it is maintaining its standards as it works to open healthy, high-performing locations that will continue to satisfy the demands of the modern consumer.

As Angry Chickz continues to catch the attention of high-caliber operators and sign large agreements, it will be crucial for prospective owners to inquire and secure their prime territory quickly.

Looking Ahead

Looking through the end of this year and beyond, Angry Chickz is preparing to cross the 50-unit milestone with an aggressive pipeline that includes its first Texas location, set to open in Waco in the third quarter.

To support its expansion across the country, the brand is developing an updated prototype that captures its signature look and feel while working across different types of spaces, from in-line locations to end caps. As Angry Chickz continues to grow, its focus stays the same: evolving from a local brand to watch into a strong national presence, without losing the atmosphere or quality that attracts franchise partners and keeps customers coming back.

“Our focus is on building a scalable, purpose-driven brand and meaningful connections with our guests,” LaRue said in a release. “The momentum we’re seeing — from new markets to media recognition — is driven by our dedicated team, passionate franchisees and the loyalty of our incredible guests.”

Stay tuned throughout the rest of the month for 1851 Franchise's full Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises series to explore the other innovative brands making waves in the industry.