Hangry Joe’s: Redefining Fast-Casual with Nashville Heat

Hangry Joe’s has made its mark as a dynamic player in the fast-casual dining space, offering a bold take on Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches and tenders. Launched in 2020 in Virginia, the brand quickly gained traction and has been steadily growing its footprint across the country.

Operating from its headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, Hangry Joe’s moved into franchising soon after its founding. The concept has appealed to entrepreneurs looking to join a rapidly expanding brand with a clear identity and growing customer base.

What sets Hangry Joe’s apart is its dedication to authentic flavor—offering multiple spice levels that cater to all palates, from mild to fiery. This commitment to true Nashville heat has carved out a unique niche in the competitive chicken franchise landscape.

Training

Hangry Joe’s provides a structured set of training programs for franchisees and their staff to ensure consistency and operational success across its outlets. The franchisor emphasizes timely and comprehensive training before business operations begin and includes provisions for additional ongoing support.

1. Initial Training Program
   A mandatory two-week training is held at an affiliate restaurant in Ashland, Virginia or another designated location. It covers operational systems, restaurant management, and company culture. Completion is required within three months of signing the agreement to begin operations.
2. Designated Manager Training
   Franchisees must either personally participate in operations or appoint a Designated Manager who completes the same initial training. Replacement managers are also required to complete this training to the franchisor’s satisfaction.
3. Employee Training
   Franchisees are responsible for training their employees in line with the standards set by the franchisor. Employees must be trained to provide professional service and comply with all required certifications and legal standards.

Territory Protection

Hangry Joe’s provides franchisees with an exclusive territory where it will not establish another company-owned or franchised outlet selling similar products under the same or similar trademarks.

This protection remains in place regardless of sales performance, population changes, or market conditions within the territory. However, franchisees are not granted rights of first refusal or options for additional territories unless explicitly approved.

Despite this exclusivity, Hangry Joe’s reserves the right to use other distribution channels such as the Internet, catalog sales, and telemarketing to sell within the franchisee's territory. These sales may be under the same trademarks or even different ones, and the franchisor is not obligated to compensate the franchisee for such activities.