A fast-casual hot chicken concept blending Nashville-style fried chicken with South Asian flavors is coming to Plano with its first Texas location. According to public filings, Namkeen is planned for 521 Coit Rd., Suite 130, at Beacon Square.
Namkeen combines Nashville hot chicken with South Asian flavors, offering familiar items such as hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, wings, and waffles alongside dishes with South Asian influences. Franchisee Mohammed Shaikh told What Now Dallas that the restaurant is currently targeting an opening toward the end of 2026 or early 2027.
Namkeen’s concept grew out of family gatherings and launched in 2020. One of the restaurant’s signature offerings is the Tikkaville sandwich, which incorporates tikka flavors and mint chutney. The brand describes itself as a fusion of Nashville hot chicken and South Asian cuisine, with its chicken featuring a buttermilk brine and a blend of South Asian spices.
Beyond the food, Shaikh said bringing people together is central to the concept. “That feeling of bringing people together over really flavorful food is a big part of the concept,” he said.
Plano was a deliberate choice for the restaurant. Shaikh said the area’s diversity, family-oriented atmosphere, and established food culture made it a strong fit for Namkeen.
“We saw an opportunity to bring something unique to the neighborhood,” Shaikh told What Now Dallas. He added that the selected location offers “great visibility and accessibility,” with significant residential and commercial activity nearby and future development anticipated around the site.
Namkeen’s plans extend beyond opening its doors. Shaikh said the goal is for the restaurant to become part of the community rather than simply another dining option. “Our biggest goal is to become a part of the community, not just another restaurant in the area,” he told What Now Dallas.
The team hopes to participate in local events, support community initiatives, and build relationships with organizations and schools in the area, including the University of Texas at Dallas.
“We’re excited to become a part of the Plano community and hopefully create a place that people feel is truly their own,” Shaikh said. The Plano restaurant will bring Namkeen’s Nashville-meets-South-Asian approach to the North Texas dining scene, with more details on the opening expected as construction progresses.
