Danny and Kathy Lisath, a husband-and-wife duo and both U.S. Army veterans, are bringing Nashville-style hot chicken to Woodland, California, as franchise owners of The Red Chickz. The couple, who met and fell in love during their military service, see the franchise as a means to build generational wealth for their family while serving the local community.
The Lisaths chose The Red Chickz after evaluating multiple franchise opportunities. “The Red Chickz stood out immediately—the food is amazing, the energy is fun, and the brand felt fresh and family-oriented,” they said in a recent Q&A. They also highlighted the supportive corporate team, whose values aligned with their own. The decision to jump into franchising came after overcoming initial intimidation. “The biggest challenge was just taking that leap of faith,” they noted. “After years of talking about building something of our own, we decided to go for it.”
Their military background provided essential skills for business ownership. “Our military experience taught us discipline, teamwork, and resilience,” the Lisaths explained. “Running a restaurant requires the same mindset: you lead from the front, care for your team, and keep pushing forward.” Beyond financial stability, the couple views the business as an investment in their legacy. “We want to show our kids what hard work, faith, and perseverance look like,” they said.
The Red Chickz Woodland location aims to become a community hub. “We want people to feel the energy and warmth the moment they walk in,” the Lisaths said. “Our goal is to bring a little taste of Nashville to Northern California while creating a fun, family-friendly space.” They plan to expand into areas like Davis, Vacaville, and Roseville after establishing a strong foundation in Woodland.
Community engagement is a priority. The Lisaths have joined the Woodland Chamber of Commerce and plan to partner with local schools and sports teams. They will host a Friends & Family Night and grand opening giveaways. “Supporting our local community is a big part of who we are,” they said.
The most meaningful aspect so far has been watching the restaurant come together. “Seeing customers enjoy the food for the first time and hearing their excitement has been incredible,” the Lisaths shared. “It’s a reminder of why we started this journey—to bring people together through great food and genuine service.”
