Huey Magoo’s is on its way to a major expansion in the Greater Houston region. The chicken tenders brand has inked a 15-store agreement deal with SMR Capital Group, a seasoned ownership team with extensive experience in multi-unit operations.
“This 15-store agreement is just the beginning of what we expect to be a long-term relationship, with potential for additional development opportunities,” Huey Magoo’s Director of Franchise Sales, David Boatright, said in an email with What Now Houston.
The development will hit key counties like Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, and Montgomery, according to QSR Magazine.
At the helm of the new Huey Magoo’s operations to come to the Greater Houston area is SMR Capital Group CEO Muhammad Ali Akbar and his Operating Partner, Jason Gilbert.
Akbar confirmed the Huey Magoo’s Greater Houston major expansion deal with What Now Houston via email, but was unable to provide more context by the time of this publication.
“Muhammad owns and operates a construction business, while Jason brings strong restaurant experience, including time with Texas Roadhouse and Torchy’s Tacos,” Boatright said via email.
Huey Magoo’s got its start in 2004 near the University of Central Florida. Originally inspired by Southern “mom-and-pop” spots, Matt Armstrong and Thad Hudgens grew Huey Magoo’s into a fast-casual chain specializing in premium chicken tenders.
“Our journey has been a tender story,” the Huey Magoo’s website reads.
“Fueled by a mission to Craft It, Crave It, Rave It, the Huey Magoo’s team is led by President and CEO Andy Howard, COO Mike Sutter, and an executive team with over 150 years of combined chicken franchise experience.”
The new deal SMR Capital Group has built with Huey Magoo’s ramps up on a landmark year of growth for the fast-food company.
Huey Magoo’s is rapidly expanding nationwide and is on track to reach 100 Huey Magoo’s locations by the end of 2026. Franchisees are committed to opening at least three stores over the course of three years, helping to build a strong local presence like the one that’s being established in the Greater Houston region.
While there’s no word yet on the timeline, we suspect Huey Magoo’s loveable chicken tenders will make their grand appearance in at least one of the selected Greater Houston area cities before the end of the year.
Huey Magoo’s is slated to open 15 stores in the Greater Houston region over the next three years.
(This is a developing story. As more information is made available, we will update this article. Stay tuned!)
