Dave’s Hot Chicken announced it has grown its leadership team to support the brand’s rapid domestic expansion, reinforcing it as the leader in the Nashville Hot Chicken category.

Ryan Crumley has joined Dave’s Hot Chicken as its new Chief Development Officer, bringing years of experience with Dunkin’ and private-equity-owned Driven Brands, working collaboratively with franchisees to uncover growth opportunities, and maximize unit volumes at existing locations. Specifically, at Driven Brands, Crumley implemented an entrepreneurial approach, vetting real estate sites prior to franchisees coming on board, to streamline development time and cultivate franchisee support and enthusiasm.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has also added Ed McBride as its Vice President of IT, to support its digital infrastructure. Prior to joining Dave’s Hot Chicken, McBride served as better-burger chain Smashburger’s VP of Technology Services. During his almost seven years with the brand, he launched the online ordering platform for the entire brand, enabling guests to order through various digital channels, for the almost 400-unit chain.

Additionally, Tiffany Vassos has joined the company as its Vice President of Design and Construction. Before joining Dave’s, Vassos served as the Vice President of Design and Construction for seven years at Blaze Pizza, one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in history, where she oversaw the building of more than 350 restaurants across the United States, Canada and the Middle East, including Blaze’s flagship location at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida.

“In Tiffany, Ed and Ryan we’re adding proven category veterans to support and grow our infrastructure as we continue expanding across the country,” says Bill Phelps, Dave’s Hot Chicken’s CEO. “With these vital support center additions, we look forward to further delivering the type of experience that fans rave about on social, leading to continued daily lines out the door at all of our locations.”