The award-winning training leader joins to fuel the brand’s explosive expansion and elevate HHC’s operations coast-to-coast
Las Vegas, TX (RestaurantNews.com) Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC), the fast-growing concept redefining the hot chicken category, announced today the appointment of Chris Patterson as Vice President of Training. With more than 30 years of restaurant industry experience and a proven track record of scaling high-growth brands, Patterson joins HHC at a critical point in its nationwide expansion.
Patterson began his restaurant career at just 15 in Lubbock, Texas, working in a local BBQ joint before spending two decades with CiCi’s Pizza. There, he advanced from team member to multi-unit leader, then moved to the brand’s Corporate Training Department – ultimately serving as Director of Training during CiCi’s highest-growth years. He later brought his passion for developing scalable systems to Dickey’s Barbecue as VP of Training, where his team created award-winning educational content and a new franchisee training program.
Most recently, Patterson spent nearly a decade with Slim Chickens, helping to build the brand’s training infrastructure from scratch. Starting when the company had just 30 stores, he was instrumental in driving its growth to 300+ locations across the U.S. and internationally. His work included designing team member and franchisee training, launching a full LMS platform, creating internal content, and leading new restaurant opening procedures.
“I’m fired up to be joining Houston TX Hot Chicken,” Patterson said. “This brand has all the right ingredients – bold food, a distinct personality, and a leadership team that’s serious about building something exceptional. I’m passionate about training that drives real results, and I can’t wait to help grow HHC into a powerhouse across the country and beyond.”
Founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Edmond Barseghian, the brand has become a cult favorite thanks to its craveable hot chicken and serious spice. With over 25 stores currently open and more than 100 franchise commitments in place, HHC is targeting 40 locations by the end of 2025, fueled by its strategic growth partnership with Utah-based Savory Fund.
“Chris is one of the most experienced and well-rounded training leaders in the industry,” said Brian Simowitz, President of HHC, who worked with Patterson for nine years at Slim Chickens. “He understands how to scale people, process, and culture – exactly what we need as we prepare for massive growth. We’re thrilled to have him on the HHC team.”
Known for its hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, salads, soup, waffle shakes, and loaded fries, the unique eatery has seven signature sauces ranging from “No Spice” to “Honey Butter,” to “Liftoff” to “Houston, We Have a Problem!” It has catered to both authenticity and commercial appeal, which has heat-seekers all over the map making HHC a dining destination.
“Training is everything when you’re scaling at the pace we are,” Barseghian said. “Chris brings the wisdom, creativity, and energy that’s going to push our teams – and our brand – to new heights. He’s not just building systems, he’s helping shape the future of HHC.”
About Houston TX Hot Chicken
Founded in 2021, Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC) prides itself on serving all natural and never frozen chicken to its guests. With a menu that features hot chicken in the form of sandwiches, tenders and more, HHC offers high quality food alongside an exciting and elevated service standard. In recent years, the restaurant group has experienced rapid growth with locations nationwide in Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Texas, Utah, Idaho, Michigan and has plans to continue opening new locations across the country, with the help of its growth partnership with Savory Fund. Learn more at HHC.ooo.
About Savory Fund
Savory Fund is an innovative private equity firm that combines over $750 million in assets under management with a growth playbook and expertise that has been developed over 15 years of operating in the restaurant industry. Savory partners with high-potential, profitable, emerging restaurant brands, to deliver financial capital, industry expertise, growth and revenue opportunities, profitability enhancements and new location development. The Savory team contributes directly to all aspects of growth and replication by using a proven playbook and methodology. Founder involvement in the expansion of a brand is a central theme of the Savory approach as founders carry the tribal knowledge around the uniqueness that has energized early success and is essential to future growth. The Savory Fund is currently invested in 12 brands: Swig, R&R BBQ, PINCHO, Via 313 Pizzeria, Houston TX Hot Chicken, Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food, Saigon Hustle, Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, South Block, Bonrue Bakery, and restaurant tech investment 86 Repairs. For more information, visit SavoryFund.com.
Contact:
Josiah Kinman
Champion
936-615-8979
jkinman@championmgt.com
