Our Story

Co-founders Shawn Lalehzarian, Nima Christensen, and Tony Tala set out with one goal—serve up the crunchiest, juiciest Nashville Hot Chicken on the West Coast. In 2018, they opened their very first restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, not knowing just how quickly their little dream would turn into a movement.

But only ten days in, a harsh Yelp review called them “the Taco Bell of Nashville hot chicken,” criticizing the food quality. For many, that could have been the end. But for the founders, it was the spark that changed everything. Instead of seeing it as failure, they saw opportunity. The review ignited the idea that if they could build the right systems, perfect the recipe, and standardize the experience, The Red Chickz could grow into something much bigger than a single restaurant—it could become a franchise. From that moment, the team doubled down—refining every recipe, reworking every process, and building a brand designed not only to meet expectations but to scale them. From testing in the kitchen to serving every guest, every step was built around one promise: deliver “The Crunchiest Hot Chicken” with a flavor and experience people can’t forget.

Social media became the rocket fuel for this growth. With fun, mouthwatering TikTok videos going viral, The Red Chickz quickly captured the hearts (and appetites) of millions. Lines formed, followers turned into fans, and fans became loyal guests.

Today, The Red Chickz is more than a hot chicken restaurant—it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of turning setbacks into opportunities. What started as one small location in Los Angeles has grown into a rapidly expanding franchise to spread that same spirit one crunch at a time.