Staffing

Former Slim Chickens VP leading Houston TX Hot Chicken

Photo: Houston TX Hot Chicken,

October 1, 2024

Houston TX Hot Chicken has named a new president, Brian Simowitz, who has spent the last 18 years on the franchise support side of the restaurant industry. Most recently, he served as VP of operations for Slim Chickens, which has over 300 locations, where he was responsible for corporate and franchise growth. Prior to that, he spent eight years on Applebee's international team growing and supporting the brand in numerous countries. Additionally, he and his wife, Kelly, were owners of several restaurant brands in Minnesota.

"I'm thrilled to join Houston TX Hot Chicken and be part of its exciting rapid growth in the fast-casual segment," Simowitz said in a company press release. "I'm truly energized by the great vision of our founder Edmond Barseghian. His passion for delivering bold flavors, great service and a unique dining experience has perfectly laid the foundation for HHC. I'm excited to work alongside him, as well as collaborate with Andrew K. Smith and the great team from Savory Fund who have a deep expertise in scaling high-growth brands."

Founded in 2021 by Edmond Barseghian — who is HHC's chief marketing officer — Houston TX Hot Chicken has 20 locations in eight states and over 350,000 followers across its social media channels. In 2023, it entered into a strategic growth partnership with Savory Fund, a Utah-based private equity firm. It now has 300 franchise commitments with plans to have 75 stores open by the end of 2025.

"Brian is a phenomenal talent and an incredible addition to the HHC team," Andrew K. Smith, managing director of Savory Fund, said in the release. "He is adept at both corporate and franchise growth, and he will be able to take this electrifying brand to the next level."

Savory Fund also invests in Swig, R&R BBQ, Pincho, Via 313 Pizzeria, Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food, Saigon Hustle, Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, South Block and restaurant tech investment 86 Repairs.