Jersey Mike’s, Houston TX Hot Chicken head for London

Jersey Mike's Subs has opened its first restaurant in the U.K., just steps from London's Oxford Circus. Las Vegas-based Houston TX Hot Chicken is close behind, with a London restaurant set to open in December.

Jersey Mike's plans 300 units

The Jersey Mike's restaurant, at 1-4 Argyll Street, is the first to open under a master franchise agreement with founder Peter Cancro, who plans to develop 300 restaurants across the U.K. and Ireland. The brand expects to open four London locations before year-end. The second is scheduled to open on Baker Street in mid-November.

"The UK is a highly attractive market with a vibrant restaurant industry and consumers who value high-quality food and differentiated dining experiences," Andy Skehan, president of international at Jersey Mike's, said in a company press release.

Founded in 1956 as Mike's Subs in Point Pleasant, N.J., Jersey Mike's has more than 3,400 locations. The company said it sees long-term potential for about 15,000 stores worldwide.

HHC starts in Stevenage

Houston TX Hot Chicken, known as HHC, opened its first restaurant outside the U.S. on Oct. 31 in Stevenage, a Hertfordshire town about 30 miles north of London. It's the first opening under an exclusive European franchise agreement with PizzaExpress, announced in June.The agreement calls for 50 U.K. restaurants over the next three years.

HHC's London restaurant opens in December at the Brunswick Centre near Russell Square. A third location hasn't been announced.

Same menu, same heat

U.K. guests get the same menu as U.S. stores: buttermilk-marinated chicken sandwiches and tenders, loaded fries, waffles and house-made lemonades. Heat levels run up to "Houston, We Have a Problem!" That level hits 2 million on the Scoville scale and requires a waiver.

"The UK hasn't seen anything like HHC before and from their cult Instagram following to sensationally delicious food, HHC Stevenage is set to turn up the heat," Paula MacKenzie, group CEO of PizzaExpress, said in a press release.

HHC has sold more than 100 franchises and is backed by Utah-based private equity firm Savory Fund.