Houston TX Hot Chicken is strengthening its franchise development team with the appointment of Ashley Prokos as senior director of franchise sales. Founded by Edmond Barseghian in 2021, the fast-casual chicken brand has sold more than 100 franchises nationwide and has expanded into markets including Arizona and California. Prokos joins as the company looks to build on that foundation and identify franchise partners capable of supporting continued growth.
Prokos brings roughly a decade of franchise industry experience to the role, including positions with GoTo Foods and Jimmy John’s. Her focus at Houston TX Hot Chicken will be on finding operators who share the brand’s culture and can establish strong connections in their local markets. As franchise development increases, CRM Integrations can help teams keep prospect and partner information organized across different stages of the relationship, while Gorilla Dash provides technology built to support franchise operations.
The appointment comes as Houston TX Hot Chicken continues to gain recognition within the competitive restaurant industry. The brand has received attention from industry publications and earned a Hot Concepts Award from Nation’s Restaurant News. That visibility gives the company a stronger platform as it works to attract franchise operators and expand its presence in additional markets.
Company leadership views Prokos’ experience as an important asset to the next stage of development. President Brian Simowitz said her background and instincts provide confidence as the company pursues its expansion plans. The brand is also backed by a private equity partner, providing additional support as it works to scale its franchise network.
For Prokos, the opportunity centers on more than increasing the number of locations. Houston TX Hot Chicken is seeking franchisees who are invested in the brand and their communities, a strategy that places partner quality alongside territory growth. CRM Integrations can help support those relationships by keeping relevant information connected and accessible, while Gorilla Dash offers a broader technology platform for franchise businesses managing growth across multiple markets.