Hangry Joe's opens five new franchises with app-based BOGO deal

Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken & Wings is launching five franchise locations in Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina and Michigan over the next 30 days. New app users can get a buy-one-get-one-free entrée worth up to $12.99 as the brand tries to build traffic in each market.

Why it matters: - Hangry Joe's is using a low-cost app promotion to draw first-time guests into five new markets at once. - The openings expand the Nashville-style hot chicken brand across Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina and Michigan. - The offer could help the franchise build local repeat business while the stores establish themselves.

What happened: - Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken & Wings is opening five new franchise locations within 30 days. - The new restaurants are in Palmhurst, Texas; Rock Hill, South Carolina; Durham, North Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Canton, Michigan. - New app users can claim a buy-one-get-one-free entrée valued up to $12.99 after downloading the Hangry Joe's mobile app. - The promotion is aimed at first-time guests in the five launch markets.

The details: - The offer includes the Chicken Sando, tenders, nuggets, wraps, chicken and waffles, salads, loaded fries and loaded mac and cheese. - Hangry Joe's serves chicken across multiple heat levels, from Plain to its highest "Angry Hot" tier. - Each new restaurant will offer dine-in, takeout and delivery. - The mobile app lets guests order ahead, track the promotion and access future offers. - The five locations are listed online at Palmhurst, Rock Hill, Durham, Raleigh and Canton. - Opening dates for each location will be announced by the individual restaurants.

Between the lines: - GO Agency AI, which is promoting the five stores, said the launch strategy is designed to build a local customer base quickly by lowering the barrier for first-time guests to try the menu. - Micah Gaudio said the brand does not yet have national recognition and is using the BOGO offer to encourage trial. - Gaudio also said the openings reflect a focus on premium, high-visibility sites for the brand.

What's next: - Customers in Palmhurst, Rock Hill, Durham, Raleigh and Canton are being directed to download the Hangry Joe's app to confirm availability of the offer at their nearest participating location. - Hangry Joe's said the app will also be used for future promotions as the new locations open. - The company is continuing its broader franchise expansion across the U.S. and internationally.

The bottom line: - Hangry Joe's is pairing store openings with an app-only free-food promotion to accelerate awareness, visits and repeat traffic in five new markets.