Franchising

Lucky's Hot Chicken hatching major growth plans

Although it's less than 1 year old, Dallas-based Lucky's Hot Chicken ain't cluckin' around. With two locations open, it's on target to open five more next year in North Texas, four of which will include a drive-thru.

Photos provided by Lucky's

July 1, 2021 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Founded by Vandelay Hospitality, which owns East Hampton Sandwich Co., Hudson House Restaurant & Raw Bar, Drake's Hollywood, Lucky's serves hot chicken from a retro-style diner, said CEO Hunter Pond, who started Vandelay in 2012, with his business partner, Kyle Brooks.

"As a real estate-driven hospitality group, we focused our time in 2020 hiring outstanding talent which provided us with the foundation we need to grow Vandelay Hospitality Group strategically in the years ahead," Pond told FastCasual. "Our creative team is always designing new restaurant concepts — most of which sit, awaiting the perfect piece of property that will allow us to knock a concept out of the park."

More than a little luck
The group's first Lucky's Hot Chicken, which opened during the pandemic, is in a building that was home to Brinks Coffee Shop & Restaurant — founded in 1964 by Norman Brinker — who went on to create Brinker International, the parent company of Chili's Grill & Bar, Steak & Ale and Maggiano's Little Italy.

The designation was especially important to Brooks, considering his father, Doug Brooks, learned the ropes from Brinker and took over as Brinker International's CEO when Brinker left in 2004, helping him grow Chili's from three restaurants to 1,585 restaurants.

"Our very first Lucky's Hot Chicken location derived from the perfect marriage of two paramounts for our Group: incredible real estate and aspirational, creative concepts," Pond said. "When we found the old Brinker's property, the ideas for Lucky's flowed from there.

Describing the chain as "hip with a retro twist," Pond said Lucky's Hot Chicken embodies the culture of classic Nashville Hot Chicken.

The decor, for example, features diner-culture elements, including red-and-white checkered vinyl floors, oak-slat booths, a classic 60's-era aluminum-banded countertop and vintage opal glass pendantfixtures. Replica vintage blues posters sourced from Nashville antique shops, hand-painted murals and old-school neon signage throughout round out the property.

Keeping the menu hot
The menu is simple: chicken tenders and nuggets, listed in five levels of spice to test your valor ("Kinda Lucky," "Feelin' Lucky," "Damn Lucky," "Lucky AF" and "Best Of Luck").

The brand's trademark heat levels have been a hit among locals, bringing fans flocking in from out of state, forming lines around the block, much in thanks to its buzz-worthy social media presence.

The "Big Lou" sandwich, which is served as the staple sandwich, comes on a house-baked butter bun stacked with tenders, slaw, cheese, comeback sauce and pickles. Another standout is the Velvet Chicken & Waffle featuring a red velvet Belgian waffle, maple syrup and three jumbo tenders. Sides include mac 'n' cheese, coleslaw, fried pickles, shake fries (tossed in secret spice blend) and plain fries.

"Lucky's Hot Chicken began as a real estate investment in an iconic retro property with a cool history that meant a lot to us," Pond said. "The purchase was made in an effort to restore the East Dallas landmark and breathe life into the area — with a fresh new concept.

Franchising

About Cherryh Cansler

Cherryh Cansler is VP of Events for Networld Media Group and publisher of FastCasual.com. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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