Crimson Coward, a new restaurant specializing in hot chicken, has recently opened in Fredericksburg next to Mary Washington University. The owners, the husband and wife team of Naveed Javed and Aman Naveed, bring years of experience in the restaurant industry to this venture.
Naveed and Aman are not newcomers to the restaurant scene in Fredericksburg, having been part of the community for almost two decades. Their journey began with Vocelli Pizza in 2008, and since then, they have expanded to four pizza delivery locations across the area.
“When we decided to venture into something new, hot chicken seemed like the perfect fit,” Javed explains. “I had been researching and experimenting with recipes for a while, and when I came across Crimson Coward, I knew it was something special.”
The decision to join forces with Crimson Coward was not taken lightly. Javed emphasized the importance of the team behind the brand, stating, “I’ve been in the franchise business for a long time, so I know franchises inside and out. The team behind the scenes really grows the brand, and we are here to grow with this brand.”
The opening of Crimson Coward has also brought employment opportunities to the area. The restaurant currently employs around 25 people. The two owners provide jobs for 80 individuals across all their businesses, contributing to the local economy.
Located at 1217 Emancipation Highway in Eagle Village, Crimson Coward aims to cater to college students and the surrounding community. “It’s a good location, right at the intersection of a busy junction,” says Naveed. “We have a college crowd right across, and with the [Mary Washington Hospital] nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for us.”
Aman echoes Naveed’s enthusiasm. “So far, everyone on our team has tried the food, and they are as excited as we are. We want to continue spreading that excitement and provide a unique dining experience for our customers,” she said.
Looking to the future, Naveed and Aman are optimistic about Crimson Coward’s success. “Our goal is to grow,” says Naveed. If this location does well, we definitely plan to open more in the future. We’re in this business to grow and succeed.”
The Fredericksburg location marks the second Crimson Coward to open in the region this year. The restaurant chain opened at Embrey Mill in Stafford County, owned and operated by Nabil Asad, a longtime franchise restaurant who opened the first Subway restaurant in Stafford County at Aquia Town Center in the early 1990s.
Asad and his business partner, John Filipiak, also operate a Crimson Coward near Hoadly Road and Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge.
The Fredericksburg location is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
