Danny and Kathy Lisath, husband-and-wife duo and U.S. Army veterans, are bringing the Nashville-style hot chicken craze to Woodland, California, with the opening of The Red Chickz franchise. The couple, who met and fell in love during their military service, decided to pursue franchise ownership as a means to build generational wealth and create a legacy for their family.
When asked why they chose The Red Chickz among many franchise opportunities, the Lisaths highlighted the brand's high-quality food, community-driven ethos, and supportive corporate team. "The food is amazing, the energy is fun, and the brand felt fresh and family-oriented," they said. Their military background instilled discipline, teamwork, and resilience, which they believe directly translate into running a successful business. "The Army prepared us to lead with structure but also adapt when things don't go as planned. Running a restaurant requires the same mindset: you lead from the front, care for your team, and keep pushing forward," they explained.
The decision to jump into franchising now came after overcoming initial intimidation. "The biggest challenge was just taking that leap of faith. Franchising can feel overwhelming at first with all the steps—financing, construction, permits—but we realized there's never a 'perfect time,'" they said. Their primary goal extends beyond financial stability; they aim to demonstrate hard work, faith, and perseverance to their children while creating jobs and growth opportunities in the community.
With the Woodland location set to open, the Lisaths have plans to expand into surrounding areas like Davis, Vacaville, or Roseville, building a strong foundation first before taking the next step. The most meaningful part of the journey so far has been watching everything come together—from construction to training the first team. "Seeing customers enjoy the food for the first time and hearing their excitement has been incredible. It's a reminder of why we started this journey—to bring people together through great food and genuine service," they shared.
The couple hopes their store brings a taste of Nashville to Northern California while creating a fun, family-friendly space for locals to relax and connect. Already active in the community, they have joined the Woodland Chamber of Commerce and plan to partner with local schools and sports teams. Upcoming events include a Friends & Family Night and grand opening giveaways. "Supporting our local community is a big part of who we are, so we're excited to keep finding ways to get involved and give back," they said.
