• 5 units in Orange County

• 4 units in Central California

• 3 units throughout Temecula, Murrieta and Menifee California

• 10 units in Chicago

• 26 units in Houston

• 25 units throughout Michigan and in Dayton and Toledo, OH

• 6 units throughout Irvine, Orange and Tustin

• 2 units in Los Angeles

“Since launching the franchise initiative in October 2019, we have been energized by the interest and excitement from experienced multi-unit operators who want to get involved with the brand,” said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “We’re excited about the groups behind these deals and are very much looking forward to helping them introduce our concept to new communities across the United States.”

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.

“I knew Dave’s Hot Chicken was a can’t-miss opportunity because I have worked alongside the brilliant Bill Phelps in past endeavors and if he believes in a brand, I do too, because I believe in him,” explains Carolyne Cannady, experienced franchise executive who is bringing Dave’s Hot Chicken to Orange County. “Along with Bill and other top talent investors involved, the food and atmosphere at Dave’s Hot Chicken can’t be beat. I’m so excited to join the brand and become part of this next hot concept.”

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.

“When the pandemic hit just a few short months after we launched the franchising initiative, we weren’t positive how it would affect our franchise growth, but we were pleasantly surprised it actually enhanced the opportunity for the very strong multi-unit franchisees that recognized the importance of being in the right segment with a concept that had a strong takeout focus with food that traveled well and was highly cravable,” added Shannon Swenson, Vice President of Franchising for Dave’s Hot Chicken. “If anything, this time has solidified our spot as the next hot franchise. We’re signing highly experienced multi-unit operators who recognize our unique offering of food, and more importantly sees the value in growing with us now even during one of the most challenging times the restaurant industry has ever seen.”

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.

About Dave’s Hot Chicken

Chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends opened the first Dave’s Hot Chicken as a parking lot pop-up in early 2017. A self-described “spice freak,” Kopushyan fell in love with the flavor profile of Nashville Hot Chicken and wanted to bring that experience to Los Angeles natives. Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly took off, opening its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in East Hollywood. Now, backed by Bill Phelps, co-founder of Wetzel’s Pretzels and one of the original investors in Blaze Pizza, Dave’s Hot Chicken is focused on bringing its crave-able tenders and sliders to communities throughout the country. Additional brand investors include former California First Lady Maria Shriver, movie producer John Davis, Red Sox owner Tom Werner, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and Good Morning America anchor and retired NFL player Michael Strahan.