What the heck is up with the ‘Hot Chicken’ boom?

A year or so ago, a ‘hot chicken’ place opened up around the corner from my office. It was new, novel, and I like spicy stuff so I’d find a reason to eat there every couple weeks.

Now, I pass five different ‘Hot Chicken’ joints on my way to work every morning. They don’t appear to be chains, but I could be wrong?

What gives? Why is there in influx of so many “Hot Chicken” restaurants?