The Original Hot Chicken, a fast-casual restaurant brand from US company Experiential Brands, has inaugurated its first international bricks-and-mortar location in Toronto, Canada.  

As part of Experiential Brands' global expansion strategy, the Nashville-style hot chicken concept aims to grow its North American footprint and offer diverse culinary experiences. 

Headquartered in Atlanta, Experiential Brands is known for developing scaleable, chef-driven restaurant concepts.  

It provides comprehensive solutions for foodservice operators, including licensing, white-label programmes and delivery-only models designed to succeed in today's competitive market. 

Experiential Brands founder and CEO Aziz Hashim said: "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.  

"The Original Hot Chicken's vibrant menu and engaging guest experience are a perfect fit for the Canadian market, and we're eager to collaborate with local licensing partners to expand our presence further." 

The 900ft² Toronto establishment at 20 Carlton Street is placed to cater to high foot traffic areas and serves both dine-in and takeaway customers.  

Its interior features vibrant, graffiti-inspired decorations reflecting the brand's playful ethos and appealing to the multicultural audience in Toronto.  

To ensure seamless operations and maintain quality standards for its Canadian venture, Experiential Brands has set up a dedicated supply chain in Canada.  

This infrastructure is complemented by strong marketing, operational support and scalability guidance for potential licensing partners. 

The Original Hot Chicken is rooted in Nashville and offers a menu centred around its signature pickle-brined, cornflake-coated hot chicken.  

Patrons can personalise their meals with varying heat levels and enjoy the brand's exclusive Comeback Sauce.  

The menu also features popular items such as chicken sandwiches, tender baskets and wings. 

The Toronto outlet serves halal-certified proteins to cater to the city's multicultural demographic.  

The location also introduces a select offering from Flametown Burgers, a new brand that specialises in handcrafted burgers with innovative twists. 

In May 2023, Frisch’s Big Boy partnered with The Original Hot Chicken to expand its menu offerings.