The Original Hot Chicken Launches in Canada, Opening Doors to Licensing Opportunities

The Original Hot Chicken Expands Internationally with First Canadian Location in Toronto

The Original Hot Chicken, a fast-casual dining concept renowned for its Nashville-style hot chicken, has officially opened its first international location in Toronto, Ontario. This marks a significant milestone for the brand, which is part of Experiential Brands, an Atlanta-based global foodservice solutions company. The Toronto debut aligns with the brand’s strategy to expand its footprint across North America and beyond.

Experiential Brands specializes in scalable, chef-driven restaurant concepts and provides tailored solutions for operators, including licensing, white-label programs, and delivery-only models, to succeed in competitive markets.

"With this opening, we’re not just bringing a beloved American concept to Canada; we’re introducing a model designed to empower partners with proven tools for success," said Aziz Hashim, founder and CEO of Experiential Brands. "The Original Hot Chicken’s vibrant menu and engaging guest experience are a perfect fit for the Canadian market. We’re excited to collaborate with local licensing partners to expand our presence further."

The Toronto location, situated at 20 Carlton Street at the intersection of Carlton and Yonge Streets, is a 900-square-foot restaurant optimized for both dine-in and takeout services. Featuring graffiti-inspired interiors, vibrant colors, and bold designs, the space reflects the brand’s playful spirit while appealing to Toronto’s multicultural audience.

This opening is part of a broader initiative to attract licensing partners interested in capitalizing on the growing demand for premium fast-casual dining. The concept offers strong unit economics, lower capital costs, and simplified operations, making it an attractive opportunity for investors.

To ensure consistency and operational efficiency, Experiential Brands has established a dedicated supply chain in Canada. This infrastructure supports high-quality product delivery and is bolstered by robust marketing, operational, and scalability resources, ensuring long-term success for licensing partners.

Rooted in the rich culinary tradition of Nashville, The Original Hot Chicken’s menu features signature pickle-brined, cornflake-crusted hot chicken with customizable heat levels and the exclusive “Comeback Sauce.” Fan-favorite items include chicken sandwiches, tender baskets, and wings. The Toronto location also offers fresh halal-certified proteins to cater to the city’s diverse population.

Additionally, Toronto guests can enjoy a sneak peek at Flametown Burgers, a new brand by Experiential Brands, featuring handcrafted burgers, signature sauces, and bold, modern flavors. This complementary menu enhances the dining experience with irresistible comfort food offerings.

The Original Hot Chicken is actively seeking licensing partners to bring its unique dining experience to new markets across Canada. For more information, visit www.oghotchicken.com or contact Experiential Brands directly.

About Experiential Brands

Experiential Brands is a leading foodservice solutions company specializing in scalable, chef-inspired restaurant concepts. The company previously developed Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, which was later sold to Dine Brands, the franchisor of Applebee’s and IHOP. With expertise in supply chain management, white-label programs, and operational guidance, Experiential Brands partners with operators to deliver exceptional dining experiences and drive sustainable growth.