betting big on hot chicken

Houston-themed hot chicken restaurant boosted by major investment

Houston TX Hot Chicken is poised for major growth.

Courtesy of Savory Fund

A food-focused venture capital firm has made a major investment in a new restaurant. Houston TX Hot Chicken is the latest addition to Savory Fund’s portfolio.

Founded in Las Vegas by Edmond Barseghian, Houston TX Hot Chicken does hot chicken tenders that can also be served as sandwiches, salads, and loaded fries. Seven spices levels — everything from “no spice” to “Houston, we have a problem” — and eight dipping sauces, four of which are made fresh daily, meaning diners of all tastes will be able to find a favorite. Beverage options include milkshakes, beer, and cocktails.

Houston TX Hot Chicken food spread The restaurant serves hot chicken tenders at seven spices levels.Courtesy of Savory Fund

“This collaboration with Savory Fund transcends a merger; it signifies the harmonious convergence of two passionate forces, both driven by a shared vision of uncompromising excellence,” Barsegian said in a statement.

The investment will allow the restaurant, which has grown to 11 locations in six states (including a Houston-area location), to fund further expansion. Savory’s investment demonstrates that the company is bullish on the Nashville hot chicken trend.

“Savory has been monitoring this flavor segment for the past five years. We have met with and evaluated many brands attempting to do what HHC has already accomplished, and we are thrilled to make this strategic investment,” Andrew K. Smith, co-founder and managing partner of Savory Fund, added. “We are confident in HHC's potential to lead the Nashville hot chicken wave, particularly as we look toward franchising. Edmond and his team are ready to turn a local hotspot from Las Vegas into a national success story through additional corporate growth and franchising.”

Houston TX Hot Chicken joins a number of restaurants in Savory’s portfolio, including Austin pizza favorite Via 313, breakfast concept Hash Kitchen, and Hawaiian barbecue restaurant Mo’ Bettahs. Last year, the fund invested $1 million in Houston Vietnamese restaurant Saigon Hustle. Overall, the fund has more than $600 million in assets under management. Terms of the deal with Houston TX Hot Chicken were not disclosed.

As Smith said on a recent episode of CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast, the company has big plans for Houston. It has already opened one location of burger joint Pincho with multiple locations of Via 313, Hash Kitchen, and drive-thru beverage concept Swig on the way.

“It’s kind of a foodie town. You guys like to eat,” he said. “People enjoy eating out. It’s part of their lives. It’s part of their social interaction with friends and family members.”

More announcements could be coming soon. Smith added the fund is looking to invest in at least one Mexican concept, different Asian concepts, and a healthy-eating concept.

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Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

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