Another Chicken Chain Wants to Come to San Angelo

SAN ANGELO, TX — Angry Chickz, a California-based hot chicken restaurant franchise, plans to expand into Texas in 2026, with San Angelo included among the cities slated for new locations, according to the company.

The franchise recently announced a 25-unit agreement that will bring Angry Chickz restaurants to Texas and New Mexico, marking its first expansion outside California. Company officials said the rollout is expected to begin in 2026.

According to the announcement, Texas cities included in the expansion are Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Longview, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Sweetwater, Waco and Wichita Falls. Albuquerque, New Mexico, is also listed in the agreement.

Each restaurant is expected to create between 30 and 35 jobs, the company said.

“This is a major step for us,” said Mike LaRue, vice president of franchise development for 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 franchise was founded in 2017 after founder David Mkhitaryan tried Nashville hot chicken and decided to create his own concept. The first Angry Chickz restaurant opened in East Hollywood, California, in 2018 and remains in operation.

Angry Chickz is known for its customizable heat scale, ranging from “Country,” which has no heat, to “Angry,” which requires customers to sign a waiver. The menu centers on hot chicken tenders and sliders served with sides such as fries, slaw, mac and cheese and rice. The average cost of an order is about $16. 

The first Texas location is expected to open in Waco in the third business quarter of 2026. The company plans to open at least four Texas locations that year, followed by additional openings in 2027. Some cities, including Lubbock, could see locations open within the first year of expansion.

“It’s all about momentum,” LaRue said. “Our fans try it once, fall in love and spread the word. Simple, flavorful food that connects fast – that’s the Angry Chickz effect.”

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