Dave’s Hot Chicken, the Los Angeles-based street food sensation turned breakthrough fast-casual brand, has secured a new location in Greensboro situated at 1949 Battleground Ave. Husband and wife, Nick and Nicole Colon Smith will spearhead the new site alongside their business partner, Jordan Washburn. This marks the opening of their fourth Dave’s Hot Chicken location from their 12-unit development deal for Charlotte and surrounding regions.
“The dedication of the whole franchise system and the vibrant energy of the brand is exceptionally impressive, which motivates us to be deeply involved in the operations for each market we serve,” says Nick. “As we continue to make progress with our openings, we’re excited to bring the heat to Greensboro for the community to experience the bold flavors that have made Dave’s a sensation.”
Nick has a wide range of expertise from the food and entertainment industries. He currently owns and operates 16 Jersey Mike’s locations, and other notable brands such as Moe’s, Mama Fu’s Asian House, and Monkey Joe’s. Nicole also has extensive experience in entrepreneurship, customer service, and marketing, making her an asset to the growth of Dave’s Hot Chicken in North Carolina. Earlier this year, Dave’s Hot Chicken of Charlotte, also owned and operated by the Smiths, was awarded Best of the City by Elevate Lifestyle.
The Smiths partner, Jordan Washburn, has a background as a manufacturer’s representative at Club Inc, a real estate broker at Ford Whirley Properties, and is also a franchisee for Moe’s. He currently acts as a Principal at Pace Commercial and played a vital role in several large-scale developments and acquisitions and brokered over $200 million in real estate transactions.
“The new Greensboro location is an exciting addition to the brand and we know that Nick, Nicole and Jordan bring a wealth of experience and share a passion for the food,” says Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “As we continue to spread the heat nationwide, we’re confident that the community in Greensboro will embrace the fiery flavors that define our name.”
Founded by Arman Oganesyan and classically trained chef Dave Kopushyan, along with brothers, Tommy, and Gary Rubenyan 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 over 170 locations in the United States and Canada.
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 such as Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana, Pittsburgh, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, and Mississippi.
