Dave’s Hot Chicken, a Los Angeles-based street food sensation turned breakthrough fast-casual brand, announced Friday it has inked multi-unit franchise agreements for Northern California; Portland, Oregon; and Denver, Colorado.
Among the brand’s three new franchise operating groups, George Almeida signed a seven-unit deal for Northern California. With 30-plus years of franchising experience, Almeida is focused on growing the brand through Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Alex and Joe Karcher, members of the famed restaurateur family behind Carl’s Jr., have signed on with Dave’s Hot Chicken to open five locations in Portland. The Karchers have extensive experience in the restaurant industry, including owning Carl’s Jr., Jersey Mike’s Subs and The Human Bean coffee shop locations in the Portland area.
Plus, Jason Beld and Marc Rogers have signed a deal with Dave’s Hot Chicken to open 11 units throughout Denver and Larimer counties in Colorado. The duo previously led the introduction of Fuzzy’s Tacos in the Centennial State.
“It’s with great pride that we get to welcome three veteran groups to our team,” says Shannon Swenson, Vice President of Franchise Development at Dave’s Hot Chicken. “The energy and experience these operators bring to our brand is exceptional. While the restaurant industry as a whole is going through a transition, our commitment to developing our cult-like following in communities throughout the country has not waivered. The momentum is continuing to build, and we couldn’t be more excited for these groups to start developing.”
Founded by classically-trained chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends in early 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up, with lines quickly wrapping around the block. Since then, the brand has exploded in popularity and now has multiple brick-and-mortar locations open in Southern California. Today, the fast-casual brand has its sights set on growing throughout the United States through franchising and has several multi-unit agreements in development.
Specializing in hot chicken tenders and sliders, with spice levels ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper,” each restaurant also serves sides of house-made Kale Slaw, creamy Mac & Cheese and crispy Fries or Cheese Fries.
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a robust business model, including national and local marketing support, proven systems, manuals and operating procedures, as well as assistance with site selection. As the brand expands, it is seeking qualified, experienced and passionate restaurant operators and franchise groups to develop the concept in key markets.
