Nashville Hot Chicken Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Nashville Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant franchise focused on serving Nashville-style hot chicken with bold spice levels and Southern-inspired flavors. The menu centers on crispy fried chicken sandwiches and tenders designed to appeal to customers seeking heat-forward comfort food.
The concept launched in 2018 in Pacoima, California, beginning as a ghost-kitchen operation before transitioning into a franchised brand. Its early delivery-driven model helped validate demand and supported the brand’s expansion into brick-and-mortar and mobile formats.
The franchise emphasizes a streamlined menu anchored by its signature hot chicken recipes and a proprietary pink sauce, a combination intended to encourage repeat visits and simplify operations. This focused approach allows the brand to maintain consistency while delivering strong flavor recognition.
Nashville Hot Chicken provides franchisees with several operating models, including traditional storefronts, food trucks, and cloud kitchens. In select markets, Halal-certified offerings are available, enabling the brand to reach a broader customer base and differentiate itself within the competitive chicken segment.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Nashville Hot Chicken franchise? It costs on average between $237,000 – $482,000 to start a Nashville Hot Chicken franchised restaurant.
This includes costs associated with restaurant build-out, kitchen equipment, initial signage and branding elements, and early operating expenses. The total investment can vary depending on factors such as the chosen franchise format, the size and location of the site, local construction and labor costs, and whether the franchisee leases a new space or converts an existing facility.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Construction and Leasehold Improvements | $50,000 – $125,000 |
| Lease Deposits and Rent (Three Months) | $12,000 – $32,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $75,000 – $130,000 |
| Signage | $3,500 – $10,000 |
| Computer, Software, and Point of Sale System | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $9,300 – $20,000 |
| Utility Deposits | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Insurance Deposits (Three Months) | $900 – $2,000 |
| Travel for Initial Training | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Professional Fees | $12,500 – $32,500 |
| General Licenses and Permits | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| Additional Funds (Three Months) | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $237,200 – $481,500 |
Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Nashville Hot Chicken locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Nashville Hot Chicken operates 9 franchised locations across the US.
What is the total investment required to open a Nashville Hot Chicken franchise?
The total investment required to open a Nashville Hot Chicken franchise ranges from $237,000 to $482,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Nashville Hot Chicken franchise?
Ongoing fees include a 5% royalty fee based on gross sales, paid on a continuing basis to the franchisor. In addition, franchisees are required to contribute 1% of gross sales toward marketing and advertising, which supports systemwide promotional efforts and brand awareness across operating markets.
Who owns Nashville Hot Chicken?
Nashville Hot Chicken franchise is owned by co-founders Tigran and Samvel Melkonyan, who developed and expanded the brand beginning in 2018 and now lead the company as it grows its franchised restaurant network
Disclaimer
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