The unique quick-service chicken chain features pickle-brined chicken tenders and 20-plus sauces crafted by the master himself, who intends to start recruiting franchisees soon.

The infamous social media “chicken wars” of 2019 could have a new, sunglasses-wearing sauce-slinging competitor in the mix: Guy Fieri. In partnership with Robert Earl of Planet Hollywood, celebrity chef Guy Fieri opened the aptly named “Chicken Guy!” in mid-2018. The chicken-and-sauce-focused Chicken Guy! flagship store is located in Disney Springs of Lake Buena Vista, Florida and has proven to be wildly popular among the crowds of tourists that come through the area every year. A second location on the way at Miami’s Aventura Mall according to QSR Magazine. 

While not all of Fieri’s culinary ventures have received rave reviews, Chicken Guy! seems to have hit the sweet spot for the lovable, flame-shirt wearing Food Network personality. 

In addition to the two Florida locations, Earl and Fieri are on the cusp of a large-scale expansion. The business partners are looking to entertainment spaces first, including FedEx Field, the Washington Redskins’ stadium and Levi’s Stadium, the home of the San Francisco 49ers.

The business of Chicken Guy! isn’t all bleach blonde tips and in-your-face attitude. In spite of their rock-and-roll aesthetic, the restaurateurs plan to be very discerning when it comes to franchising.  “We want to build out a few locations geographically in Florida first. We are looking for franchisees who have a lot of local knowledge and who are well-funded. Ideally, they will have been in the hospitality business before. We want franchises in places that are geographically sensible,” said Earl in a statement reported by QSR. 

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