Dave’s Hot Chicken announced it has inked a franchise agreement with a multi-unit franchise group to open 10 locations throughout North Carolina. This is the first agreement for Dave’s Hot Chicken to bring locations to the East Coast.
“This is a thrilling moment for Dave’s Hot Chicken. It’s been a relatively short amount of time since we started franchising, but the brand has quickly gained great traction and we’ve signed over 240 units and also just made the jump from west to east,” says Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “We’re proud of these milestones, but know that we’re just getting started. I can’t wait for North Carolina to taste Dave’s Hot Chicken.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken works well in a variety of floor plans. The team is seeking 2,000 to 2,500 square feet endcaps and freestanding locations, with drive-thru infrastructure a plus. Real estate developers should contact James Mattox at (919) 602-8324 to review available space.
“There were so many factors that went into our group’s decision to sign with Dave’s Hot Chicken. The fun and creative design of the restaurants, simple operations and, of course, the chicken itself were just some of the things that sold us,” adds Katie Winegard, Operating Partner for the group. “We’re incredibly excited to introduce this exciting brand to a new customer base.”
Winegard brings with her solid experience in the restaurant and franchising industry. Prior to partnering with Dave’s Hot Chicken, she was Vice President of Operations for Blaze Pizza restaurants in central, east and coastal North Carolina markets. She and her team will focus on adding restaurants to the Triangle area, including in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Fayetteville and Burlington, as well as on the coast in Wilmington and Jacksonville.
“It’s been exciting to be a part of and help grow a brand like Dave’s Hot Chicken this past year,” says Shannon Swenson, Vice President of Franchise Development at Dave’s Hot Chicken. “We’ve generated so much momentum from our explosive growth that we’ll continue to ride into the new year. I look forward to partnering with more exceptional franchise owners and further establishing Dave’s Hot Chicken as the number one in Nashville Hot Chicken.”
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.
