Think you know Dave’s sweat-inducing Reaper pepper spice level? Meet Pepper X. Dave’s Hot Chicken is taking its signature heat to the next level with a limited-time offering featuring a spice blend made with Pepper X, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s hottest chili pepper. Available now for a limited time at Dave’s Hot Chicken locations nationwide, Pepper X gives heat fans a new way to experience Dave’s, while its legendary Reaper remains a permanent part of the menu.
Coming in at 2.7 million Scoville units, Pepper X peppers were developed by PuckerButt Pepper Company, founded by American chili pepper breeder “Smokin’ Ed” Currie. Currie, the company’s founder and president, created both the Carolina Reaper, a former Guinness World Records titleholder, and Pepper X, which claimed the title in 2023.
“From the Carolina Reaper to Pepper X, we’ve always pushed the limits of heat, and Dave’s is bringing that spirit to its hot chicken,” said “Smokin’ Ed” Currie, founder and president of PuckerButt Pepper Company. “Reaper fans already know Dave’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to heat and Pepper X takes it even further. As we always say, ‘If your butt don’t pucker, it ain’t a PuckerButt pepper.’”
The Pepper X spice blend was developed in partnership with Chef Dave Kopushyan, co-founder of Dave’s Hot Chicken, whose culinary background includes working in Thomas Keller’s restaurant group. Drawing on that experience, Chef Dave worked with an extensive range of spices to build a flavor profile that goes beyond heat alone. That thoughtful approach to seasoning has been part of Dave’s DNA from the beginning, and the Pepper X spice blend is, by far, the brand’s hottest offering yet.
“Reaper has become a legendary part of the Dave’s experience, and it isn’t going anywhere,” said Jim Bitticks, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “But Pepper X gives our biggest heat fans an even greater challenge for a limited time. Whether you’re here for the burn or you’re happy with our Not Hot spice level, there’s a Dave’s experience for you.”
Pepper X is a temporary addition to Dave’s heat lineup. Guests can continue to choose from the brand’s seven core spice levels, starting at Not Hot and building to Reaper, so everyone can find their own favorite level of heat. The new Pepper X spice level can be ordered with Dave’s Tenders, Sliders, Bites and even Hot Mozz. The brand’s recently introduced, over-sized XL Slider also comes with any heat level you desire.
For more information and to find a nearby restaurant, visit www.daveshotchicken.com or follow @daveshotchicken on social media.
