Another chicken restaurant and an Asian eatery plan to open franchises in Fresno
Two new restaurant franchises are looking to open locations in the Fresno/Clovis area.
The Red Chickz Nashville Hot Chicken is a Los Angeles-based chicken restaurant.
It has secured one location in town but declined to say where just yet. Franchisee Keerat Riar said he plans to open up to three locations in the area.
The other restaurant is Teriyaki Madness, a fast-casual Asian grill that calls itself a “Seattle-style teriyaki restaurant.” It serves bowls with chicken, steak, salmon or tofu, and vegetables atop rice or Yakisoba noodles.
Its franchisee plans to open three locations in the area and is looking for its first spot.
Unlike a company-owned restaurant, franchisees are often local people or small companies who are granted rights to open a franchise – everything from Subway to Crumbl Cookies – in a particular area. In exchange for a fee, the franchisee runs the restaurant and takes advantage of the company’s well-known brand name.
The Red Chickz
Not to be confused with another Nashville hot chicken chain, Angry Chickz – which has three locations in Fresno – The Red Chickz is also planning to come to Fresno.
The Red Chickz has one location in L.A., and is expanding further in Southern California and also in Texas.
Fresno has had an influx of Nashville hot chicken places lately, including Fluckers, Spicy Birdz and the FURY Hot Chicken food truck (and that’s not including all the new Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Chicken Shack locations opening).
The menu at Red Chickz is a little different than its competitors. In addition to chicken sandwiches, tenders and tacos, you can get chicken and French toast.
It’s a twist on the chicken and waffles trend – which is also on the menu, said Riar, the franchise owner.
“Hot chicken paired with French toast? The pairing is excellent,” he said. “You have that sweet but spicy taste and the French toast is super soft and just melts in your mouth.”
Shrimp, cheese curds and loaded potato wedges are also on the menu.
If all goes as planned, Riar hopes to open the first location within six months. The others will happen over the next year or so, he said.
Teriyaki Madness
Teriyaki Madness also wants to open in the Fresno and Clovis area.
Franchisee Shogy Saleh is looking for his first location.
There are 12 bowls on the menu, including five different types of chicken. There are also appetizers like edamame, crab Rangoon, chicken eggrolls and potstickers.
“It’s a big menu so you don’t get tired of it,” Saleh said.
It’s sometimes compared to Panda Express, though the food is made fresh to order, not made ahead of time and kept warm.
Teriyaki Madness has locations in 34 states. It’s in the middle of a massive expansion, selling 22 franchises this year, with 30 locations planned to open by the end of the year.
It recently opened in West Sacramento and Bakersfield, and will soon open a location in Salinas.
