Picture this: three childhood friends, barely scraping together $900, standing in a Los Angeles parking lot with a fryer and a dream. No business degrees, no fancy investors, just a wild idea to sell spicy chicken. Fast forward a few years, and that same trio is at the helm of a franchise worth nearly $1 billion. Sounds like a Hollywood script, right? But this is the real story of how a comedian, a chef, and their buddy turned a humble pop-up into a global sensation.
From Parking Lot to Powerhouse: The Rise of a Chicken Empire
The journey began in 2017, in the heart of East Hollywood, where the trio pooled their savings to launch a Nashville hot chicken stand. They didn’t have much—just a fryer, some borrowed tables, and a whole lot of nerve. But what they lacked in resources, they made up for with creativity and grit. Their story is a masterclass in turning a small idea into a massive success, and it’s packed with lessons for anyone dreaming of their own entrepreneurial breakthrough.
The Spark of an Idea
It all started with a 24-year-old comedian who was more used to bombing on stage than cooking chicken. With no restaurant experience, he pitched the idea of selling Nashville-style hot chicken to his friends—a chef who’d worked at high-end restaurants and a pal willing to take a gamble. The chef wasn’t sold at first. “Chicken? I don’t even like chicken,” he reportedly said. But after some convincing, the trio decided to give it a shot.
They didn’t have the cash for a food truck, let alone a restaurant. So, they set up shop in a parking lot, borrowing tables from their parents and buying a $150 fryer. Their first night? A whopping $40 in sales, mostly from friends. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start. I’ve always found that the best ideas often come from the scrappiest beginnings—there’s something about having nothing to lose that fuels bold moves.
“We had a lot of belief mixed with a lot of doubt. It was a wild ride.”
– One of the founders
Crafting the Perfect Recipe
Before they could sell a single tender, the trio needed a recipe that could stand out in a city obsessed with food trends. They spent months researching, eating at every fried chicken joint they could find, and tinkering in the kitchen. Some ideas were outright bizarre—like experimenting with gummy bears in the recipe (thankfully, that didn’t make the cut). Others, like using pickle juice in the brine, came by happy accident when they tossed leftover chicken into a nearly empty pickle jar.
It wasn’t just about the food, though. They were obsessive about getting the flavors just right, balancing the fiery heat of Nashville spices with a crispy, juicy texture. This wasn’t just cooking—it was problem-solving. They watched documentaries, studied competitors, and leaned on the chef’s fine-dining background to elevate their game. The result? A recipe that had people lining up in a parking lot.
- Researched local fried chicken trends extensively
- Tested unique ingredients like pickle juice for brining
- Perfected a spicy, crispy tender that stood out
The Power of Word-of-Mouth
Five days after opening, their pop-up caught the eye of a local food critic through pure word-of-mouth buzz. Suddenly, their parking lot was packed, and they were selling out nightly. Within months, they were pulling in thousands of dollars a night—a far cry from that first $40. By the end of their second month, each founder pocketed about $10,000, a life-changing sum for three guys who’d started with next to nothing.
What’s fascinating here is how they didn’t rely on fancy marketing campaigns. They let the quality of their product and the excitement of their customers do the talking. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best advertising is a happy customer raving to their friends. Ever notice how the best spots in town are the ones your friends won’t shut up about? That’s the magic these guys tapped into.
Scaling Up: From Pop-Up to Storefront
After a year of slinging chicken in the parking lot, the trio was ready to level up. They brought in a fourth partner, the brother of one of the founders, who helped them open their first brick-and-mortar location. This was a huge leap—going from a pop-up to a real restaurant required systems, staff, and a whole lot more cash. But their scrappy mindset carried them through, and the new spot was a hit.
Opening that first store wasn’t just about serving more chicken; it was about proving their concept could scale. They had to figure out how to maintain quality while serving more customers and managing a growing team. It’s the kind of challenge that can make or break a business, but these guys were relentless. They didn’t just want to be a local favorite—they wanted to go big.
Franchising and Going Global
By 2019, the business caught the attention of some heavy-hitting investors, including a former NFL star, a Hollywood producer, and a media personality. With their backing, the company shifted gears to a franchise model, opening locations across the U.S. and even internationally in places like Canada, the UK, and the Middle East. Last year alone, the chain raked in over $600 million in sales, with projections to double that in the current year.
The move to franchising wasn’t just about expansion—it was about building a system that could replicate their success without losing what made them special. The CEO, who joined during this phase, emphasized keeping the brand’s gritty, authentic vibe while scaling operations. It’s a delicate balance, but they’ve managed to pull it off, with franchisees and corporate stores both turning a profit.
| Year | Milestone | Revenue Impact |
| 2017 | Pop-up launched | $40 first night |
| 2018 | First storefront opened | Thousands nightly |
| 2024 | Franchise sales | $600M systemwide |
The Billion-Dollar Deal
In 2025, a private equity firm swooped in and bought a majority stake in the company for a deal valued at “pretty close” to $1 billion. The founders and their CEO kept minority stakes, ensuring they’d stay involved as the brand continues to grow. The timing was perfect, according to the CEO—an inflection point where the valuation was sky-high, but there was still room for more growth.
“We were at the perfect spot—huge value now, with even more potential ahead.”
– Company CEO
This deal wasn’t just a payday; it was validation of their vision. From a $900 investment to a billion-dollar empire, they’d proven that big dreams don’t need big budgets. What they needed was persistence, a killer product, and a knack for seizing opportunities.
Lessons from the Chicken Kings
So, what can we learn from these parking-lot pioneers? For one, start small, but think big. They didn’t wait for a perfect plan or a fat bank account—they just started. Second, surround yourself with people who complement your skills. The comedian brought the vision, the chef brought the expertise, and their friend brought the hustle. Together, they were unstoppable.
- Take risks, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
- Focus on creating a product people can’t stop talking about.
- Build a team with diverse strengths to cover all bases.
- Stay adaptable—pivot when needed, but keep your core vision.
Perhaps the most inspiring takeaway is their refusal to let doubt win. They had plenty of it—who wouldn’t, starting a business with pocket change? But they leaned into their belief in the idea and each other. It’s a reminder that success often comes down to showing up, even when you’re not sure you’re ready.
Why This Story Matters
In a world obsessed with overnight success, this story is a refreshing reality check. These guys didn’t have a viral TikTok or a rich uncle—they had $900 and a fryer. Their journey shows that entrepreneurial success isn’t about starting with everything figured out. It’s about taking the first step, learning as you go, and staying open to unexpected opportunities, like a pickle juice epiphany.
I can’t help but admire their grit. There’s something deeply human about betting on yourself when no one else will. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to dust off your own crazy idea and give it a shot. Who knows? Maybe your parking-lot dream could be the next billion-dollar empire.
What’s Next for the Chicken Empire?
With a billion-dollar valuation and a global footprint, the future looks spicy for this chicken empire. The company is eyeing even more international markets while keeping their brand’s edgy, authentic vibe. They’re not slowing down, and with the backing of a major private equity firm, they’ve got the resources to keep pushing the boundaries of what a chicken joint can be.
But here’s the thing: they’re still the same guys who started in a parking lot. That hustle, that willingness to take risks—it’s still at the core of what they do. And that’s what makes their story so compelling. It’s not just about chicken; it’s about what’s possible when you dare to dream big and back it up with relentless effort.
Success Formula: 40% Grit 30% Creativity 20% Teamwork 10% Luck
So, what’s your $900 idea? Maybe it’s not chicken, but there’s something you’ve been itching to try. Take a page from these guys’ playbook: start small, stay scrappy, and don’t be afraid to fail. The next big thing could be cooking in your own backyard.
