Crimson Coward's Nashville Hot Chicken Sets Lake Forest Mouths On Fire

LAKE FOREST, CA — The newest hot chicken restaurant has come to Lake Forest's The Orchard At Saddleback shopping center this year and fans are raving. Crimson Coward is the first Orange County location for this chain owned by Ali Hijazi, with other stores in Los Angeles County.

The Lake Forest store, at 23706 El Toro Road, is open for dine-in, take-out, and delivery, Monday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Parking is available, and the restaurant interior is roomy with 2,025 square feet and a total seating capacity of sixty-plus guests.

Crimson Coward brings authentic flavors of Nashville hot chicken to the table, and the Lake Forest store reaches into OC's market introducing them to the chain's ultimate spice blend and Crimson Coward's signature recipes.

Hijazi spoke on what inspired him to launch the series of restaurants and what makes his unique in an online video interview.

"I was here at home when the Nashville Hot Chicken phenomenon was taking off," Hijazi said. "I was a little intrigued. Nashville Hot Chicken originated in the 60s, and I wanted to see how they really make it back home. It's very different than what California hot chicken is. When I felt confident in the spices, I took a leap of faith and we opened up our first Downey store."

The best chicken Hijazi ever tasted was while doing research in Nashville.

He ended up at 400 Degrees Chicken where he had a "eureka!" moment. "I'm really grateful to Aqui Hines, the owner of 400 Degrees, who taught me some of what she knew on how to make authentic Nashville hot chicken." Now, with his own spin on things, he plans to bring Crimson Coward to the country through franchising.

At Crimson Coward, menu items include Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches (The Crimson or Home Style) and Crimson Chicken (Tenders and Wings with five heat levels to choose from). They also offer plant-based sides, Mac and Cheese, FriedPickles, Potato Salad, Crimson Fries, and Slaw. New house specialties include The Crimson Onion, The Crimson Burrito, and fan-favorite Joey Eat Fries.

Hijazi is committed to serving freshly cooked Nashville hot chicken and premium signature sides featuring local ingredients. "We source our chicken from some of the most reputable farms," he said. They cook to order, striving to deliver exceptional flavors, quality, and excellent customer service to all of our guests.

"The proprietary seasoning recipe is under lock and key," says Hijazi. He did share that it took 120 different combinations of herbs and spices to find just the right one for that flavor he was looking for, known as the Crimson Rub.

Their flagship SoCal restaurant opened in Downey, followed by stores in Artesia, Long Beach and now, Lake Forest.

"We look forward to getting to know our Lake Forest neighbors and furthering our community involvement," Hijazi said.

The Crimson Coward family will expand to several new Southern California locations and plans on launching nationwide this year.

For more on Crimson Coward Restaurants visit their website.