Dave’s Hot Chicken wrapped up an explosive year with unparalleled growth, strategic innovations, celebrity collaborations, and a trail of accolades that left taste buds tingling.
In 2023, Dave’s Hot Chicken achieved notable milestones, reflecting the brand’s commitment to growth and innovation. With 79 new openings totaling a footprint of more than 180 stores, Dave’s Hot Chicken is showcasing its ability to meet the ever-growing demand for its distinctive flavors. Even further, November 2023 saw a record-breaking achievement with the opening of seven new locations across the nation in just one week. The brand’s influence has even gone global, with strategic expansions into Canada and the Middle East adding to last year’s 170+ franchise commitments for new locations, bringing its total commitments to over 860 at the end of 2023.
“We’ve successfully upheld our status as the fastest-growing restaurant chain, and the outcomes achieved in 2023 validate our hard-earned standing,” says Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “In Q4 alone, we achieved a remarkable 4.7 percent growth in same-store sales and a 5.4 percent increase in traffic. All of the brand’s sales growth was driven by traffic gains, a rare feat in today’s industry. Anticipating an expansive 2024, we’re poised for substantial growth on the global stage.”
Capitalizing on its existing growth momentum, Dave’s Hot Chicken has identified various avenues to further enhance its extensive footprint. This includes strategic recruitment efforts, introducing fresh menu selections and establishing noteworthy partnerships. In line with its ambitious growth plans for 2024, Dave’s Hot Chicken remains dedicated to reinforcing its top-tier executive team. This commitment has included the additions of CMO, Brad Haley, and CTO, Leon Davoyan, to maximize its marketing, technology, and operations initiatives.
Even the digital realm was ablaze with Dave’s Hot Chicken’s social media presence in 2023. Dave’s quickly surpassed 1.1 million followers on TikTok, harnessing the power of user-generated content from its passionate fan base. Partnerships with A-list celebrities drew even more eyes – and tastebuds – to Dave’s Hot Chicken’s American dream success story. One of the standout moments of the year was the brand’s collaboration with celebrity investor, Drake. Combining the massive appeal of Dave’s and Drake, the brand gave away hundreds of tickets to guests to attend Drake’s It’s All a Blur tour concert stops around the country, while driving downloads of Dave’s new mobile app, also launched in 2023, as the means to enter. The brand also celebrated the superstar’s birthday in October with lines around the block at its already popular locations.
“Dave’s Hot Chicken has emerged as a trendsetter, an innovator, and a frontrunner in the franchise industry,” adds Jim Bitticks, President and COO at Dave’s Hot Chicken, “We’re dialed in for a standout 2024, with ongoing expansion, strategic programs and an always unparalleled Nashville-hot chicken experience. It’s a direct result of having the right team members, experienced franchisees, and an accessible franchisor all working together. We’re looking forward to another hot year ahead, with some major initiatives coming soon.”
