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Brownsville Today
By the People, for the People
Huey Magoo's Expands into Texas with 15-Unit Franchise Deal
The fast-casual chicken tender chain partners with SMR Capital Group to open new locations across five counties.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:37pm
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Huey Magoo's premium chicken tenders, the 'Filet Mignon of Chicken,' take center stage in this elegant studio still life showcasing the brand's commitment to quality ingredients and culinary expertise.Brownsville TodayHuey Magoo's, a fast-casual restaurant known for its chicken tenders, has announced a 15-unit franchise deal to expand into Texas. The agreement with SMR Capital Group will cover five counties in the Lone Star State, marking the brand's first foray into the new market. Led by managing partner Muhammad Ali Akbar and operating partner Jason Gilbert, SMR Capital Group plans to leverage its operational expertise and development experience to successfully grow the Huey Magoo's brand across Texas.
Why it matters
The Texas expansion is a significant milestone for Huey Magoo's, which is aiming to reach 100 locations by the end of 2026. The deal with SMR Capital Group aligns with the company's strategy to partner with proven operators who can help scale the brand in new markets. As Huey Magoo's continues to gain traction, this move into Texas will further establish the chain as a growing player in the fast-casual chicken segment.
The details
Under the 15-unit franchise agreement, SMR Capital Group will open new Huey Magoo's locations across Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, and Montgomery counties in Texas. The franchisee group, led by managing partner Muhammad Ali Akbar and operating partner Jason Gilbert, currently operates a T-Mobile franchise and a construction business. Huey Magoo's recently introduced a smaller 1,500-square-foot prototype that reduces buildout costs and speeds development, which will support the brand's growth plans.
- Huey Magoo's announced the 15-unit franchise deal on April 6, 2026.
- The company is aiming to reach 100 total locations by the end of 2026.
The players
Huey Magoo's
A fast-casual restaurant chain known for its chicken tenders, founded in 2004 in Central Florida.
SMR Capital Group
The franchisee group that will open the 15 new Huey Magoo's locations in Texas, led by managing partner Muhammad Ali Akbar and operating partner Jason Gilbert.
Andy Howard
The president and CEO of Huey Magoo's.
What they’re saying
“We continue to attract proven operators who see the strength of the Huey Magoo's brand and our ability to scale. The SMR Capital Group brings the right combination of operational expertise and development experience, and we're confident in the ability to successfully grow the brand across Texas.”
— Andy Howard, President and CEO, Huey Magoo's
What’s next
Huey Magoo's plans to open the first of the 15 new Texas locations in the coming months, with the goal of reaching 100 total restaurants by the end of 2026.
The takeaway
Huey Magoo's strategic expansion into Texas with an experienced franchisee group demonstrates the brand's growing momentum in the fast-casual chicken segment. The new deal aligns with the company's broader goal of reaching 100 locations nationwide, solidifying its position as a rising player in the industry.
