1972
60
$150,000
$25,000
$650,000
No
A Legacy of Flavor, Quality, and Southern Hospitality
Hartz Chicken has been serving up crispy golden fried chicken and classic Southern sides for more than five decades. Renowned for its homestyle recipes, welcoming atmosphere, and strong community presence, Hartz Chicken has evolved into one of America’s beloved quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands specializing in comfort food done right.
As a Hartz Chicken franchisee, you become part of a legacy built on quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction. The brand’s time-tested recipes, operational excellence, and trusted franchise model allow entrepreneurs to tap into the billion-dollar fried chicken industry while maintaining a neighborhood charm that keeps customers coming back.
With a menu that blends family favorites — from crispy fried chicken and tender rolls to hearty sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and mac & cheese — Hartz Chicken offers a dining experience that resonates with generations of loyal customers. Positioned strategically in the fast-casual and QSR segment, the brand continues to expand across the southern United States, combining tradition with modern franchise efficiency.
Why Invest in the Hartz Chicken Franchise?
Investing in Hartz Chicken means joining a franchise with a long-standing reputation, strong operational framework, and devoted customer following. Here’s why it stands out among food franchise opportunities in the U.S.:
Proven Business Model: With decades of operational excellence and profitable franchisees, Hartz Chicken offers a turnkey model designed for efficiency and scalability.
Recognized Brand Heritage: Founded in 1972, Hartz Chicken has established a solid brand reputation synonymous with quality and southern comfort food.
Loyal Customer Base: Its community-driven approach and consistent menu make it a favorite across generations.
Strong Market Demand: The U.S. fried chicken market is valued in the billions, with consistent year-over-year growth, driven by consumer demand for comfort food and takeout convenience.
Comprehensive Support: From site selection to marketing and operations, franchisees receive complete guidance to ensure success.
Flexible Formats: Hartz Chicken offers multiple store formats including dine-in, takeout, and express models to fit different markets and investment levels.
Established Year: 1972
Founders: W. Lawrence Hartzog Sr.
Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
Franchise Units: Over 60+ locations across Texas and surrounding states
Hartz Chicken began its journey in Houston, Texas, when founder W. Lawrence Hartzog Sr. opened the first restaurant serving his signature fried chicken and rolls. With a focus on flavor, value, and Southern hospitality, the brand quickly expanded across Texas and beyond, becoming a household name for affordable comfort food.
Over the decades, Hartz Chicken has maintained its independence and authenticity, focusing on community-based growth and operational excellence. Each franchise is locally owned, yet supported by a centralized system that ensures quality consistency, supply chain efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Today, Hartz Chicken continues to grow under a franchise model that emphasizes simplicity, quality ingredients, and strong local marketing—ensuring franchisees benefit from a trusted name and profitable operations in the competitive restaurant industry.
Hartz Chicken understands that success in the food business depends on preparation, consistency, and strong operational systems. The company provides extensive support to franchise partners before and after opening, covering all aspects of business setup and ongoing management.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site Selection & Lease Assistance: Guidance on choosing prime locations based on demographics, traffic flow, and local competition.
Store Design & Build-Out: Assistance with layout, interior design, and equipment setup to ensure brand consistency and cost-efficiency.
Pre-Opening Marketing: Local store marketing campaigns and grand opening promotions designed to create buzz and attract customers from day one.
Operational Training:
Initial Training Program: Comprehensive classroom and hands-on training at a certified Hartz Chicken location, covering operations, food preparation, customer service, and business management.
Team Member Training: On-site coaching for franchisees and staff to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and adherence to quality standards.
Marketing Support:
National and regional marketing initiatives to build brand recognition.
Ongoing digital marketing, local promotions, and social media templates to help franchisees maintain engagement with their communities.
Ongoing Support:
Periodic field visits and operational audits.
Continuous access to updated manuals, product innovations, and business tools.
Dedicated franchise support team for troubleshooting, supply chain management, and performance tracking.
Hartz Chicken ensures that every franchisee receives the tools, systems, and mentorship needed to operate confidently and profitably.
The ideal Hartz Chicken franchisee is someone passionate about food, customer service, and community connection. This opportunity is ideal for entrepreneurs who value hands-on management and want to grow a business with purpose and legacy.
Key Qualities of a Strong Franchise Candidate:
Passion for the restaurant or hospitality industry.
Strong people and leadership skills to manage staff and deliver great customer experiences.
Financial stability and investment capability.
Willingness to follow a proven franchise system.
Dedication to local marketing and community engagement.
Preferred Backgrounds:
Experience in restaurant, retail, or service management.
Investors seeking multi-unit ownership opportunities.
Owner-operators who want to be actively involved in daily operations.
Ideal Locations:
Hartz Chicken performs exceptionally well in suburban and urban markets with high traffic, visibility, and strong takeout demand—particularly in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and expanding into other southern and midwestern states.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Investment | $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Equipment & Build-Out | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| Average ROI | 15% – 25% annually |
| Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, drive-thru, delivery, catering, and online orders |
These estimates can vary depending on location size, construction costs, and local market conditions. Hartz Chicken’s established supply chain, competitive pricing, and loyal customer base make it one of the more accessible and rewarding QSR investments available today.
