Nashbird, an Oklahoma City-based hot chicken concept, is stepping into franchising with the backing of one of the original Shark Tank investors, Kevin Harrington. This move signals a major shift from local success to national expansion.
Oklahoma City’s food scene has gained increasing regional and national attention in recent years for its diversity and creativity. Among the standout names is Nashbird Hot Dang Chicken, known for its Nashville-style hot chicken with high-heat spice profiles and immersive dining atmosphere.
In a major move, Nashbird has partnered with Kevin Harrington, one of the original Shark Tank investors. With the backing of his expertise and the Harrington Franchise Group, the restaurant is preparing to expand beyond Oklahoma City into new markets.
This marks a key milestone, signaling confidence in the concept and a push toward national recognition.
From Local Favorite to Expansion Mode
Nashbird began as a local restaurant concept rooted in bold Southern flavors and a distinctive atmosphere. Over time, it built a loyal customer base in Oklahoma City, driven by its signature hot chicken and energetic vibe.
Founded by Marc and Jenny Dunham, the vision extended beyond food. They aimed to create an experience blending food, music, and community. From Southern-inspired interiors to hip-hop playlists, the restaurant delivers more than a typical fast-casual experience.
At one stage, the company operated multiple locations across the metro area. However, in 2024, the founders reportedly scaled back operations to focus on strengthening their flagship store.
This allowed the team to refine operations, improve consistency, and prepare for long-term growth. Now, with a stronger foundation, Nashbird is ready to expand again through franchising.
The Role of Kevin Harrington in the Expansion
Bringing in Kevin Harrington is a strategic move. As one of the original Shark Tank investors, he brings decades of experience in scaling businesses.
Through the Harrington Franchise Group, he helps turn proven ideas into scalable franchise systems. His involvement adds credibility and structure to Nashbird’s expansion.
According to Harrington, the restaurant’s experience-driven model makes it well-suited for franchising. He emphasized that Nashbird offers more than food; it delivers energy, culture, and customer connection.
He also noted that this combination of leadership, identity, and customer experience positions the company strongly for expansion. Harrington described it as a potential “ground floor” opportunity for early franchise partners.
The Vision Behind Nashbird
At the center of Nashbird’s success is founder Marc Dunham’s culinary expertise. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, he holds a degree in nutrition and food science and has been active in the industry since his early years.
Before launching Nashbird, he worked in culinary education, helping shape future chefs. This experience influenced the restaurant’s focus on quality and consistency.
The menu reflects this background, featuring bold flavors and carefully prepared dishes. Signature hot chicken items, especially dark meat cuts, remain customer favorites.
Beyond the menu, the team prioritizes atmosphere and customer experience, key elements that now support its franchise ambitions.
Why Nashbird’s Franchise Model Works in Today’s Market
The decision to franchise comes after the concept proved itself locally. By refining operations at its flagship location, Nashbird has built a model designed for replication.
Franchising enables faster growth while maintaining identity. Instead of managing every outlet, the company partners with entrepreneurs who bring the experience to new markets.
This reduces operational risk while expanding reach. Franchisees benefit from an established system, while Nashbird scales efficiently.
Exact revenue figures have not been disclosed, and franchise investment costs have not yet been publicly detailed, which leaves some questions for potential investors.
What Makes Nashbird Stand Out
Unlike typical hot chicken chains, Nashbird focuses equally on flavor and atmosphere, creating an experience rather than just a meal.
The restaurant blends Southern comfort with modern culture, offering a unique positioning in the fast-casual space.
Key differentiators include:
- High-heat, Nashville-style hot chicken
- A mix of Southern design and modern music culture
- A strong focus on customer experience
- A clearly defined and scalable concept
These elements make the restaurant particularly attractive for franchising.
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs, Nashbird presents a structured entry into the restaurant industry. With support from the Harrington Franchise Group, franchisees can expect guidance in operations, marketing, and training.
This reduces the risk compared to starting independently. Instead, investors join a company with an established identity.
Harrington described this as a “ground floor” opportunity, especially for early adopters who can grow alongside the concept.
However, details such as franchise fees and total investment range have not yet been publicly disclosed, which will be key for serious investors.
The Bigger Picture: OKC’s Growing Food Scene
Nashbird’s growth reflects a broader trend in Oklahoma City, where restaurants are gaining national visibility.
Local concepts are increasingly expanding beyond regional markets, contributing to the city’s reputation as a food destination.
Nashbird stands as a strong example of how a local favorite can transition into a scalable national company.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the opportunity, challenges remain.
Maintaining consistency across locations is a major hurdle. Each franchise must deliver the same food quality and customer experience.
Competition is another factor. The hot chicken franchise in the USA market includes several established players, making differentiation critical.
Additionally, adapting the concept to different regions without losing identity will require careful execution.
What’s Next for Nashbird
As franchising begins, the focus will likely remain on strategic growth rather than rapid expansion.
The company is expected to prioritize selecting the right franchise partners and entering suitable markets.
With guidance from Kevin Harrington and the Harrington Franchise Group, Nashbird is positioning itself for controlled and sustainable scaling.
Conclusion
The partnership between Nashbird and one of the original Shark Tank investors, Kevin Harrington, marks a turning point.
With a strong identity and growing recognition, the restaurant concept is entering a new phase through franchising.
The real test now isn’t popularity, it’s whether Nashbird can replicate its experience at scale.
