Urban Bird Hot Chicken is planning three new restaurants in Wichita, Kansas, bringing another contender into the fast-growing chicken market alongside chains such as Slim Chickens that are expanding into new regions. The Texas-based brand announced the Kansas agreement on October 20, 2026, after securing the three-restaurant development deal during the third quarter.
All three Wichita locations are still planned, rather than open or under construction. Urban Bird has not released street addresses, opening dates or a construction timetable for the restaurants. The agreement gives the chain a foothold in Kansas as it begins expanding beyond its home state.
Three Wichita restaurants are in the plan
In its October 20 company update, Urban Bird said it had signed a development agreement for three restaurants in Wichita. The announcement did not split those restaurants into neighborhoods or identify a first location, so customers will have to watch for future site announcements before knowing which part of the city will get the first Urban Bird.
The chain also reported a separate two-restaurant franchise agreement for the greater Houston area. Those Texas restaurants are not part of the Kansas total. Wichita’s three planned locations represent their own development commitment, and the company has not said whether any of them has reached the permitting or construction stage.
Urban Bird has not publicly named the Wichita franchise operator in its announcement. For now, the concrete milestone is the signed agreement, not a grand-opening countdown.
What does Urban Bird Hot Chicken serve?
Urban Bird focuses on crispy, made-to-order hot chicken with customizable spice levels. Its menu includes chicken sandwiches, tenders, loaded fries, chicken and waffles, smashburgers and hand-spun shakes. The brand describes its hot chicken as halal, with choices ranging from milder seasoning to much hotter flavors.
The restaurant’s signature Urban Bird Sando is part of a menu designed for customers who want something more substantial than a basic chicken sandwich. The ability to choose a heat level also gives diners a way to try the concept without necessarily ordering its spiciest option.
The Texas chain is preparing for a bigger expansion
Urban Bird launched in 2020 and has grown through company-operated restaurants in Texas. Its latest report describes a network of more than 28 company-run restaurants and virtual concepts, a total that should not be confused with 28 physical restaurant storefronts.
During the third quarter, Urban Bird opened restaurants serving Houston’s NRG Stadium area and San Antonio’s Potranco neighborhood. Additional Texas locations are planned for Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, Memorial City Mall and the Rim/La Cantera area of San Antonio. Those projects are separate from the three planned Wichita restaurants.
CEO Stephen O’Connor said the brand is building training systems and more consistent opening procedures as it works with franchise partners. The company has introduced a management training program called Urban Bird University and is standardizing the steps involved in preparing new restaurants.
When will Urban Bird open in Wichita?
There is not yet a confirmed opening month or year for any of the three Wichita restaurants. Urban Bird’s October update names the city and the three-unit agreement, but stops short of announcing specific properties, permits or planned opening celebrations.
Wichita diners have a new chicken-chain expansion to follow, with three restaurants on the drawing board. The next meaningful news will be a confirmed address and opening timeline for the first location.
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