Dave’s Hot Chicken is riding its red-hot momentum generated in 2020 into the first quarter of 2021 and beyond. With several new signed deals and openings, the brand continues to establish itself as the leader in the Nashville Hot Chicken category.
Through growth initiatives led by the VP of Franchise Development, Shannon Swenson, Dave’s Hot Chicken has continued to build its roster of seasoned operators with newly signed deals. In the first quarter of 2021, four new franchise owners have signed agreements for 56 units, bringing the total to 26 operators and 359 locations. These new deals will introduce the brand to new markets, with their first entry into the Northeast in Boston, Massachusetts; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Now, the brand has zeroed in on growing more throughout the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast.
“We have shown no signs of slowing down in the first quarter of the year. With the talented team we have in place and the appealing opportunity that is Dave’s Hot Chicken, we don’t expect to either,” says Swenson. “I look forward to more continued success for the rest of 2021.”
So far, Dave’s Hot Chicken has opened three new locations in 2021, including the brand’s milestone 10th location in Northridge, California. This is only the start of the 40-locations expected to open throughout the year.
Additionally, Dave’s Hot Chicken has added additional talent to their team. David Crocker joined the corporate team in March as Vice President of Marketing, bringing with him over 15 years of extensive marketing experience in franchising and restaurants. Crocker will play a key role in consumer and development marketing as Dave’s Hot Chicken continues to grow its presence.
“There is so much potential for Dave’s Hot Chicken that, truthfully, we’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to growth,” adds Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “Everything is in place for us to have another great year and further cement our status as the leading Nashville Hot Chicken concept.”
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 and currently has more than 200 units committed in less than nine months of announcing the franchise initiative.
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.
