Jake Harper
Dave's Hot Chicken is a rapidly growing restaurant chain that was founded in East Hollywood in 2017 by four friends, including professional chef Dave Kopushyan. The chain has over 200 locations across 32 states, Canada, and the Middle East, with plans to expand to Jacksonville, Florida. The Jacksonville restaurant, located at St. Johns Town Center, will be the chain's 10th location in Florida and is set to open on April 18th. The Nashville-style hot chicken chain is known for its chicken tenders and sliders with varying spice levels, including the Reaper, which requires a signed waiver.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dave's Hot Chicken in Jacksonville, Florida | Yes |
| First Jacksonville restaurant location | St. Johns Town Center |
| Address | 10261 River Marsh Drive, Suite 137 |
| Restaurant size | 2,697 square feet |
| Franchisee owners | Tim Jensen, Jesse Allen, Andrew Hamerling and Tom Devine |
| Number of locations in Florida | 10 |
| Number of locations in North Florida | 2 of 5 planned |
| Number of locations globally | 200+ |
| Food options | Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, chicken tender bites, fries, mac & cheese, kale slaw |
| Spice levels | No Spice to Reaper |
| Other food options | Shakes made with real ice cream, topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Oreos or M&M's |
| Food quality | Mixed reviews |
| Wait times | Long during the grand opening |
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What You'll Learn
Dave's Hot Chicken opens in Jacksonville
Dave's Hot Chicken is opening its first restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, on 18 April. The Nashville-style hot chicken chain is known for its jumbo chicken tenders and sliders with spice levels ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper", which is so hot that a signed waiver is required. The Jacksonville restaurant, located at the St. Johns Town Center, will be the chain's 10th location in Florida and the second of at least five planned for North Florida.
The new restaurant will be located at 10261 River Marsh Drive, Suite 137, in a 2,697-square-foot corner unit storefront between Firehouse Subs and PetSmart. The building permit for the restaurant is currently under review by the city. Franchisee Andrew Hamerling, who also operates Jersey Mike's and several other franchises, has acquired the rights for Dave's Hot Chicken in Jacksonville and Gainesville. Hamerling plans to open a minimum of five Dave's Hot Chicken restaurants over the next four years between the two cities.
Dave's Hot Chicken was founded in East Hollywood in 2017 as a pop-up chicken stand by four friends, including professional chef Dave Kopushyan, with just $900. The brand has seen significant growth, especially after actor and rapper Drake became a significant investor. Other celebrity investors include Samuel L. Jackson, Red Sox owner Tom Werner, former California first lady Maria Shriver, and retired NFL player Michael Strahan. The Pasadena, California-based chain now has more than 200 restaurants across 32 states, Canada, and the Middle East.
The Jacksonville restaurant will offer a variety of menu items, including chicken tenders, sliders, and chicken tender bites, served with fries, mac & cheese, or kale slaw. To cool things off, Dave's offers a selection of shakes made with real ice cream, including some topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Oreos, or M&M's. Guests can also enjoy spicy chicken sandwiches stacked tall with potato buns, crisp pickles, kale slaw, and Dave's unique sauce.
The opening of Dave's Hot Chicken in Jacksonville has generated mixed reactions among locals, with some expressing excitement while others compare it to existing chicken restaurants in the area, such as Bold Birds in Murray Hill and the Jax Hot Chicken food truck.
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Nashville-style chicken
Nashville-style hot chicken is a type of fried chicken that is a local specialty of Nashville, Tennessee. It is believed to have originated in the city's African-American communities as early as the 1930s. The dish is said to have been created by accident when Thornton Prince III, a womanizer, was served a fried chicken breakfast with extra pepper by his girlfriend as revenge. Surprisingly, he enjoyed it so much that he and his brothers created their own recipe and opened the BBQ Chicken Shack café.
Nashville hot chicken is typically made with a portion of breast, thigh, or wing. The chicken is marinated in a blend of buttermilk, hot sauce, egg, and pickle brine, then floured and fried. It is then covered in a cayenne-infused glaze or sauce, which includes ingredients like brown sugar and butter to tame the heat. The chicken is served on white bread with pickles and extra sauce on the side. The key to a delicious Nashville hot chicken is the crispy batter, which holds up to the coating of the spicy glaze without becoming soggy.
Nashville hot chicken has gained popularity beyond Nashville, with many restaurants across the United States serving this dish or their variations. It has also spread internationally, with restaurants in Seoul, South Korea, and Melbourne, Australia, offering this style of chicken on their menus. Fast-food chains like KFC and Buffalo Wild Wings have also jumped on the trend, introducing Nashville Hot Chicken to their customers.
Dave's Hot Chicken, a national chain with celebrity investors like Drake and Samuel L. Jackson, has brought Nashville-style chicken to Jacksonville, Florida. The Jacksonville location, found at St. Johns Town Center, offers spicy chicken sandwiches served with potato buns, crisp pickles, kale slaw, and their signature Dave's Sauce. While some locals rave about the taste, others find it overpriced and not worth the long wait. Nevertheless, with its Halal food options and seven levels of heat, Dave's Hot Chicken has added a new flavour to Jacksonville's food scene.
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The Reaper Challenge
Dave's Hot Chicken is a rapidly growing chain of restaurants, with over 200 locations across 32 states, Canada, and the Middle East. The chain, which was founded in East Hollywood in 2017, recently opened its first restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, with plans for at least four more locations in the state. The Jacksonville restaurant is located at the St. Johns Town Center and offers a range of Nashville-style hot chicken dishes, including tenders, sliders, and chicken bites, with spice levels ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper".
To prepare for the Reaper Challenge, it is advisable to have a high heat tolerance and to build up your spice tolerance gradually. Staying hydrated before and after the challenge is crucial, as spicy foods can be dehydrating. It is also recommended to have dairy products, such as milk or yogurt, readily available to help cool down the mouth and soothe any discomfort. Additionally, ensuring that you are in a comfortable environment and have friends or family nearby for support and encouragement can enhance the experience.
Taking on the Reaper Challenge at Dave's Hot Chicken in Jacksonville can be an exhilarating and memorable experience for spice enthusiasts. However, it is essential to respect the intensity of the "Reaper" spice level and always exercise caution when consuming extremely spicy foods.
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Celebrity investors
Yes, there is a Dave's Hot Chicken in Jacksonville, Florida. The restaurant is located at 10261 River Marsh Drive, Suite 137, in St. Johns Town Center. It is one of at least five locations planned in North Florida by franchisees Tim Jensen, Jesse Allen, Andrew Hamerling, and Tom Devine.
Dave's Hot Chicken was founded in East Hollywood in 2017 by four friends, including professional chef Dave Kopushyan, with just \$900. The brand has seen significant growth, especially after celebrity investors like Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, Maria Shriver, Michael Strahan, and Tom Werner came on board. In 2025, the company was acquired by private equity firm Roark Capital in a deal valued at \$1 billion.
The chain's celebrity investors include:
Drake
Drake is a well-known actor and rapper who has invested in various businesses and ventures. His investment in Dave's Hot Chicken has helped the brand gain significant attention and expand its reach.
Samuel L. Jackson
A renowned actor, Samuel L. Jackson has been a significant investor in Dave's Hot Chicken since 2019. He has helped the brand expand its presence and attract new customers.
Maria Shriver
Maria Shriver, a former California first lady, has also invested in Dave's Hot Chicken. Shriver's support has likely contributed to the brand's success and expansion.
Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan, a former NFL player and media personality, joined the investor group in 2019. His involvement has likely contributed to the brand's growing popularity and expansion into new markets.
Tom Werner
Tom Werner, the owner of the Red Sox, has been an investor in Dave's Hot Chicken since 2019. With his support, the brand has expanded nationally and internationally.
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Franchisee Andrew Hamerling
Dave's Hot Chicken is expanding rapidly across the United States, with a particular focus on Florida. The chain, founded by classically trained chef Dave Kopushyan, started in a parking lot in East Hollywood, California, and has since become a national phenomenon, with celebrity investors like Drake, Michael Strahan, and Samuel L. Jackson.
The franchisee Andrew Hamerling is bringing Nashville-style hot chicken to North Florida, with at least five new locations. Hamerling, who also operates Jersey Mike's and several other franchises, has acquired the rights to Dave's Hot Chicken in the Jacksonville and Gainesville markets. Hamerling's first location opened in Gainesville, and he is currently working on bringing a new restaurant to Jacksonville, with plans to open before the end of the year.
Hamerling has a background in finance, having spent over 20 years in the industry before making the jump into franchising. He started with Jersey Mike's and has since expanded into other franchises, including Dog Haus in New York, which he opened in partnership with longtime friend and fellow Wall Street investor, Dave Orth. Hamerling's experience in finance and investing has given him a unique skill set that he brings to the franchise business, including analytical understanding and a customer-driven approach, as noted by Dog Haus Partner Quasim Riaz.
Hamerling's Jersey Mike's franchise in Hartsdale, New York, was his first foray into the restaurant industry, and it has served as a launching pad for his subsequent ventures. With his success in franchising, Hamerling has now set his sights on bringing Dave's Hot Chicken to North Florida, introducing Nashville-style hot chicken to the region. Hamerling's Jacksonville location is currently in the permitting phase, with bids being reviewed from general contractors.
Andrew Hamerling's expansion into North Florida with Dave's Hot Chicken demonstrates his continued success in the franchise business. With his financial acumen and customer-centric approach, Hamerling has positioned himself well to bring this popular chicken concept to new markets, building on the success of Dave's Hot Chicken in other parts of Florida and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dave's Hot Chicken opened its first Jacksonville restaurant on April 18, 2025, at the St. Johns Town Center.
It is located at 10261 River Marsh Drive, Suite 137, in a 2,697-square-foot corner unit storefront between Firehouse Subs and PetSmart.
Dave's Hot Chicken is known for its Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and chicken tender bites. They offer various spice levels, from "No Spice" to "Reaper," which is extremely spicy and requires a signed waiver.
Reviews of Dave's Hot Chicken in Jacksonville have been mixed. Some people think it is decent but not worth the long wait, while others believe it is overpriced and lacks flavor. However, some customers seem to enjoy the food, especially the spice options, and consider it one of the best options for Halal food in the area.
Yes, in addition to the Jacksonville location, there are Dave's Hot Chicken restaurants in Tampa, Central Florida, Gainesville, South Florida, and Orlando.
