Interview with Toni Dobrenko, Co-Founder of Lucky B's Hot Chicken Franchise
Toni Dobrenko is the Co-Founder of new franchise Lucky B’s Hot Chicken. Toni has gone from working in the kitchens at age 13 to owning and running a multiple award-winning authentic Italian Pizzeria in the heart of Glasgow’s Southside. With a hunger for more than authentic Italian pizza, Toni recently launched Lucky B’s Hot Chicken franchise alongside Co-Founder and best friend Giancarlo Celino. The pair have ambitious plans for growing the brand across the UK.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Not your average pizzaiolo - from starting in the kitchens at age 13 to now owning and running with my family a multiple award winning authentic Italian Pizzeria in the heart of Glasgow’s Southside. With a hunger for more than authentic Italian pizza…
I am the co-founder and owner of the new Franchise “Lucky B’s Hot Chicken.” As a highly passionate and self-driven entrepreneur committed to the highest quality products and services, creativity and continual growth, founding my own franchise was the next exciting challenge.
With plans in place to grow both Toni’s Pizzeria and Lucky B’s Hot Chicken nationwide, this calls upon my vast skills and experience from over 24 years in the hospitality industry and growing successful businesses.
Our mission is always to provide the highest quality service using the freshest ingredients coupled with a commitment to creativity and innovation. Whilst building trust and friendship with our staff, valued customers and the community at the forefront of our growth for that special family feeling.
Please tell us about Lucky B’s franchise
Lucky B’s is a franchise that was established in 2022 and began franchising in 2024. The company chose to pursue franchising to expand its brand presence and reach more customers across different locations. Currently, Lucky B’s has 2 franchisees operating under its brand.
Why did you decide to franchise Lucky B’s?
We decided to franchise Lucky B’s because we saw the potential to scale our brand and reach new markets while allowing entrepreneurs to own and operate their own businesses under our established name and concept. As for hot chicken, we wanted to offer a unique and flavorful dining experience that stands out in the crowded restaurant industry. Hot chicken has gained popularity in recent years for its bold and spicy flavors, making it a perfect fit for Lucky B’s menu to attract customers looking for something different and exciting.
What does the Lucky B’s franchise model look like?
The Lucky B’s franchise model offers flexibility in store formats to accommodate various locations and market preferences. This includes options like standalone restaurants, food court kiosks, and even mobile food trucks.
In terms of products, Lucky B’s specializes in hot chicken dishes served with a variety of sides such as tenders, wings, waffle fries, slaw, and mac and cheese.
What are the main USP’s that allows Lucky B’s to stand out in the busy F&B market?
- Authentic Nashville-style hot chicken flavour : Using traditional Southern recipes and cooking methods to deliver an authentic hot chicken experience.
- Customizable Heat Levels: We offer a range of spice levels from no heat to firestarter , catering to all heat tolerance levels.
- Hot concept with a passionate following.
Why is your franchise a great investment for potential franchisees?
- Proven Concept: Lucky B’s Hot Chicken offers a tested and successful business model with a track record of satisfied customers and robust sales, reducing the risk for new franchisees.
- Growing Market: The demand for hot chicken and spicy food is on the rise. Lucky B’s taps into this growing market, offering a popular product that appeals to a wide demographic.
- Strong Brand Identity: The franchise has a distinctive and appealing brand, characterized by its Southern roots, unique flavor profiles, and engaging restaurant atmosphere. This strong brand identity helps attract and retain customers.
- Comprehensive Training and Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support from the franchisor, including operations, marketing, and management assistance. This support ensures franchisees have the tools and knowledge to succeed.
- Flexible Store Formats: Lucky B’s offers a variety of store formats, from dine-in restaurants to takeout and delivery-focused outlets, allowing franchisees to choose the model that best suits their market and investment capacity.
- Innovative Marketing Strategies: The franchise provides innovative and effective marketing strategies, including digital marketing, social media engagement, and local advertising, helping franchisees attract and retain customers.
- High-Quality, Differentiated Product: The focus on authentic, flavourful hot chicken with customizable spice levels and unique side dishes sets Lucky B’s apart from competitors, offering a differentiated product that customers crave.
- Community Engagement: The franchise emphasizes community involvement and local partnerships, helping franchisees build strong community ties and a loyal customer base.
- Scalability: The business model is designed to be scalable, allowing successful franchisees to expand by opening additional locations within their territory or in new markets.
- Financial Performance: Strong unit economics and a solid return on investment make Lucky B’s an attractive financial opportunity for investors. Detailed financial projections and historical performance data are provided to potential franchisees to support their decision-making.
- Innovation and Adaptability: The franchise is committed to continuous innovation, regularly updating the menu, introducing new items, and adapting to market trends to stay relevant and competitive.
Investing in a Lucky B’s Hot Chicken franchise offers potential franchisees the opportunity to join a thriving market with a proven business model, strong brand support, and the potential for significant financial returns.
What are your plans for expanding Lucky B’s across the UK?
Expanding Lucky B’s Hot Chicken across the UK involves a strategic approach to target markets, development types, and growth plans. Here are the key elements of our expansion strategy. By targeting strategic locations, employing diverse development types and focusing on robust growth plans, Lucky B’s Hot Chicken aims to establish a strong presence across the UK and become a beloved brand nationwide
What type of partners are you looking for?
For the successful expansion of Lucky B’s Hot Chicken across the UK, we are seeking partners who bring a combination of specific experience, skills, and personal attributes.
A genuine passion for Lucky B’s Hot Chicken and its unique offering, along with a commitment to embodying the brand’s values and mission.
A commitment to maintaining the high standards of quality, service, and cleanliness that define Lucky B’s Hot Chicken. Ensuring consistency across all franchise locations is critical.
Lucky B’s Hot Chicken aims to establish a network of dedicated, capable franchisees who can successfully expand and uphold the brand’s reputation across the UK.
What have been some of the challenges you have faced?
Supply Chain Management
Challenge: Ensuring a reliable supply of fresh, high-quality ingredients to all franchise locations, especially during periods of high demand or logistical disruptions.
Solution: We established relationships with multiple suppliers and developed a diversified supply chain strategy to mitigate risks. We also implemented inventory management best practices and leveraged technology to forecast demand accurately and manage stock levels efficiently.
What have been the company’s biggest achievements & successes to date so far?
Lucky B’s Hot Chicken has celebrated several significant achievements and successes, reflecting the brand’s growth and impact in the competitive restaurant industry.
Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty
Achievement: Building a loyal customer base with high rates of repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Success: Consistently high ratings and positive reviews on social media and restaurant review platforms, indicating strong customer satisfaction.
Operational Excellence and Efficiency
Achievement: Implementing advanced operational systems and technologies to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Success: Achieving high levels of operational efficiency has reduced costs, improved profitability, and ensured consistent quality across all locations.
These achievements highlight Lucky B’s Hot Chicken’s commitment to quality, innovation, and community, positioning the brand for continued success and expansion in the future.
What are your future plans for Lucky B’s?
- Strengthen our franchise network by partnering with experienced franchisees who can help scale operations efficiently.
- Provide extensive support and training to franchisees to maintain brand consistency and quality across all locations.
- Long-term Goal (5-10 years): Reach 100+ locations nationwide, ensuring comprehensive coverage and brand presence across the UK.
- Continuously innovate our menu to include seasonal items, limited-time offers, and healthier options to cater to a broader audience.
- Implement customer loyalty programs and mobile app features to drive engagement and repeat business. Launch targeted marketing campaigns to build brand awareness in new markets, leveraging social media, influencer partnerships, and local events.
- Focus on digital marketing strategies to reach a wider audience and drive online sales.
By focusing on these strategic areas, Lucky B’s Hot Chicken aims to grow significantly both domestically and eventually internationally, solidifying its position as a leading brand in the competitive food industry.
Interested and want to know more about Lucky B's Hot Chicken?
The Lucky B's Hot Chicken profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
