Hot n’ Tender, better known as HNT Chicken, is a pioneering Brazilian brand in the crispy chicken segment. Operating since 1995 and in the franchising world since 2016, the group participant in Franchising Brasil — the result of a partnership between ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) and ABF (Brazilian Franchising Association) — has 60 stores spread across nine Brazilian states and eight international units located in the United States.
Driven by the pandemic, the company took another step in its expansion, inaugurating, in partnership with Reef Technology, the dark kitchen model, which operates exclusively through delivery system. Currently, the network is a reference in the delivery channel through its own app and partnerships with Uber and Rappi, making more than 60 thousand deliveries per month, which represents 30% of the sales.
“The projection is to open another 50 units in the coming months and, also, we have been focusing on finding candidates for the opening of international stores in Portugal”, quotes Daniel Lazary, CEO of Hot n’ Tender.
The HNT
HNT’s competitive advantages include the possibility of working with a consolidated and credible brand, little competition within the segment, a wide menu that appeals to different audiences and the operation throughout the day, with lunch, snacks and happy hour.
“Our business model is based on the experience of consuming a unique recipe adapted to Brazilian culture, with boneless, super crispy chicken cuts, served in buckets, canoes and sandwiches”, explains the CEO.
There are five investment business models compatible with the expected return: average profit of 12 to 15%. In addition to the dark kitchen model, there is the street store, the drive thru with car service, 20- or 40-foot containers and food court units in malls and shopping centers.
In addition, HNT is a very active franchisor in training and business consulting, with important tools such as integrated management software and an extranet system. It also stands out in the development of new products and management support, launches and digital marketing.
The company grows at a fast pace and has an excellent acceptance by the public, collecting more and more fans each day. Towards 100 stores, the chain’s pillars are transparency, franchisee satisfaction and sustainable expansion. It is also the only franchise in the sector with an ABF Excellence Award in 2019 and 2020.
About Franchising Brasil
Franchising Brasil is a joint project of the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), which aims to support the internationalization strategy of Brazilian franchise networks and their international trade promotion. The initiative was conceived to promote this recognized business model in the main international markets.