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Houston TX Hot Chicken names Brian Simowitz as new presidentHouston TX Hot Chicken names Brian Simowitz as new president

Before joining the Savory Fund-backed, Las Vegas, Nev.-based hot chicken brand, Simowitz was at Slim Chickens

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

October 1, 2024

1 Min Read
Houston TX Hot Chicken
Houston Texas Hot Chicken is entering a new era of expansion and leadership.HCC

Joanna Fantozzi

Houston TX Hot Chicken — the Las Vegas, Nev.-based hot chicken brand backed by Savory Fund — announced the appointment of Brian Simowitz as president. Currently, the 20-unit brand does not have a president, and under CEO Edmond Barseghian, Simowitz will be tasked with taking Houston TX Hot Chicken “to the next level.”

“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 statement. “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.”

Before joining Houston TX Hot Chicken, Simowitz served as vice president of operations for Slim Chickens, where he was responsible for corporate and franchise growth for almost a decade. Before that, he was on Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar international leadership team, where he was tasked with growing the brand in various countries.

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

Related:Savory Fund invests in Houston TX Hot Chicken

Since being founded in 2021, Houston TX Hot Chicken has rapidly grown to new markets nationally in Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Texas, Utah, Idaho, and Michigan. With the assistance of Savory Fund, the brand now has 300 franchise commitments with plans to open 75 stores by the end of next year.

Contact Joanna at [email protected]

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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