US-based fast-casual chain Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC) has entered a master franchise agreement with PizzaExpress to debut in the UK. The arrangement will see three HHC outlets open in the UK in 2026. The partners also plan to expand to 50 sites nationwide over the next three years. Its growth in the US was backed by investment from Savory Fund, a Utah-based private equity entity whose portfolio includes restaurant concepts such as Swig and Mo' Bettahs. HHC's menu features items such as chicken nuggets, fr ...