Chicken Joint With Presence In Middletown Named Among 'Most Investable Businesses'

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Haven Hot Chicken, which has a presence in Middletown, has been voted Connecticut's "most investable business," in a recent survey.

Haven Hot Chicken also came in at No. 8 nationally. In all, Haven Hot Chicken has state locations in Storrs, Middletown, Newington, New Haven, Orange, Oxford, North Haven, Norwalk and Fairfield.

The survey was conducted by by MarketBeat, a financial media company, and it asked 3,011 respondents across the U.S. a simple question:

"If you had $10,000 to invest in just one small business, who would get the money?"

The responses revealed a mix of food start-ups, healthcare providers, green energy firms, and design powerhouses. These aren’t household names (yet), but they’ve all built something that resonates with the communities around them - whether it’s through grit, flavor, innovation, or just showing up when it matters most.

The top 10 businesses chosen by respondents across the U.S. are:

No. 1 Big Money Retirement Solutions, Greenville, South Carolina

• Founded in 2018, Big Money offers fiduciary financial planning tailored to individuals and businesses close to retirement. The model has resonated, delivering 701 percent growth over three years. It's a genuine wealth-care story built on trust and strategic advice, giving locals a feel-good, high-growth option right in their backyard.

No. 2 Digital NYC Agency, NYC, New York

• In business since 2015, this marketing-strategy and digital-design firm helps brands grow through smarter web experiences. Its consistency shows in 161 percent growth over three years. It may not be flashy, but it's the dependable kind of digital partner that delivers results and depth with every pixel.

No. 3 Mochi Foods US, Las Vegas

• Mochi Foods got its start in 2016, delivering innovative mochi-based mixes and desserts, all the while capturing taste buds across the country. The business has seen 196 percent growth in its three most recent years. It's a creative twist on comfort food— something locals can rally behind because it brings flavor, fun, and fast-paced brand-building into one package.

No. 4 Best Practice Medicine, Bozeman, Montana

• Launched in 2015, this clinician-founded team brings experiential healthcare education and travel paramedicine to hospitals nationwide. The approach - hands-on training and real-world readiness - has resonated: It has hit 515 percent growth over three years. It’s the kind of smart, service-driven organization that feels local at heart yet built for national impact strong pick for anyone looking to invest in meaningful, mission-led growth.

No. 5 Nurturing Angels Home Care, Greenville, Delaware

• Nurturing Angels began serving communities in 2017, delivering non-medical in-home care across Delaware and Maryland— everything from personal care to medication check-ins. Its growth story has been remarkable, with 658 percent expansion in just three years. It shows a company that answers real, human needs and has earned trust in local communities. For anyone wanting to support a business with heart and hustle, this one hits the mark.

No. 6 Sunspear Energy, Honolulu, Hawaii

• Since 2017, Sunspear Energy has been betting on Hawaii’s clean-energy future. The company helps homeowners and small businesses install distributed solar systems-so you can power homes with sunshine and lower bills. The growth mirrors that vision, with 814 percent expansion across the last three years. Think beyond a simple solar install— it’s infrastructure, sustainability, and community empowerment all rolled into one.

No. 7 Branch, Tampa Bay, Florida

• Established in 2015, Branch tackles a universal problem: getting paid faster. Their workforce payment platform lets employees draw earned wages on demand—no fees, with no hassle—while employers benefit from smoother payroll flows. With 531 percent growth since 2020, it’s a textbook example of fintech addressing everyday pain with practical solutions.

No. 8 Haven Hot Chicken in Connecticut

• Some ideas just catch fire. Since opening in 2019, Haven Hot Chicken has brought Nashville’s heat to Connecticut - literally. What started as a bold move in a region known more for pizza than poultry has turned into one of the state's fastest-growing food brands, with 2,287 percent growth over three years. With loyal lines out the door and new locations popping up, it’s the kind of flavorful, community-rooted business that locals wouldn’t hesitate to back with their $10k.

No. 9 Life Dental Group, Oxford, Mississippi

• Starting in 2017, Life Dental Group combines locally owned dental practices across Mississippi and Alabama into one growing platform. Since inception, the business has soared 464 percent. That growth reflects not just expansion, but successful care, training, and patient trust. It's a hometown wellness investment that hits on impact and scale thoughtful way to support local healthcare.

No. 10 Structure, NYC, New York

• This high-end architecture and millwork firm kicked off in 2015, building bespoke townhomes and boutique commercial properties. Over three years, it has grown 388 percent, solidly outpacing competitors. It's the kind of design-rooted operation that quietly elevates neighborhoods and wallets, perfect for someone who values craftsmanship with scale.

"Small businesses are the heartbeat of local economies— and this list proves people aren't just cheering from the sidelines. They want to put their money where their values are. Whether it's solar energy in Hawaii or spicy chicken in Connecticut, Americans are clearly paying attention to the businesses making a difference right outside their front door," said Matt Paulson of MarketBeat.