Sal's Nashville Hot Chicken, the Dallas–Fort Worth hot chicken shop known for inch thick halal sandwiches and loaded fries, is gearing up for its first Greater Houston outpost in the Braeburn neighborhood. State construction filings indicate a roughly 2,100 square foot build out is slated to begin this summer, with an eye toward opening by the end of the year.
Where It Will Land
According to What Now Houston, the new Sal’s is headed for Merlyn Plaza in the Braeburn area, and that report notes the Houston Business Journal identified the specific suite and street address. The plaza sits along the Southwest Freeway feeder and is marketed in commercial listings for its high frontage and easy access to Westchase and nearby neighborhoods.
What the Filing Shows
The Houston Chronicle reports that a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing lists a 2,100 square foot tenant build out with a projected construction cost of about $240,000. The filing indicates construction could start this summer, with completion estimated in November. As the paper points out, those timelines are still subject to permitting and potential schedule shifts from the landlord and contractor.
From Dallas Beginnings
Sal’s was launched during the COVID era in the Dallas–Fort Worth area by owner Sal Afridi. The chain currently lists Plano and Richardson locations on its website and promotes a menu that is halal, organic and hand breaded. A profile in D Magazine details Afridi’s months long recipe development process ahead of the brand’s relaunch in Dallas.
How It Fits Houston's Scene
Houston already has a growing halal hot chicken scene, and local operators have leaned into late night hours and halal certification to serve diverse neighborhoods. Brands such as Clutch City Cluckers have expanded around the metro, and Sal’s entry would bring another hand breaded, halal option for southwest side shoppers looking for dine in, pickup or delivery.
What to Expect
If the state filing’s timeline holds, Sal’s could be serving in Braeburn by late 2026, though that still depends on permitting and construction. What Now Houston reports it reached out to founder Sal Afridi for comment but had not heard back by the time of publication. Diners can expect a formal opening date once the landlord or operator announces the ribbon cutting.
