Emily Carter
Dave's Hot Chicken is an American fast-food chain that was founded in 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The chain was started by Armenian-American friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Rubenyan, and Gary Rubenyan, who were inspired by the growing demand for fried chicken in Los Angeles. The chain's signature hot chicken recipe was developed by Kopushyan, a professional chef trained by renowned restaurateur Thomas Keller. Dave's Hot Chicken has since expanded rapidly across the United States and internationally, with over 100 locations in four countries by mid-2022. The chain specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken, offering tenders and sliders with seven levels of spiciness, ranging from no spice to reaper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Rubenyan, Gary Rubenyan |
| Headquarters | Pasadena, California |
| Number of locations | 100+ in 4 countries as of mid-2022 |
| Celebrity investors | Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, Maria Shriver, Michael Strahan, Tom Werner |
| Menu items | Chicken tenders, sliders, fries, mac & cheese, slaw, milkshakes, sodas |
| Spice levels | 7, from "no spice" to "reaper" |
| Preparation | Chicken is brined for hours and spice is cooked into the skin and breast |
| Expansion | The chain has expanded across the US and internationally to Canada, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and more |
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What You'll Learn
Dave's Hot Chicken is a fast-food chain
Today, Dave's Hot Chicken has expanded to over 100 locations in four countries, including the US, Canada, the UAE, and Qatar. The chain's menu remains simple, with a focus on hot chicken tenders and sliders, served at seven different spice levels ranging from "no spice" to "reaper". Customers can also choose from a small selection of sides, including fries, mac & cheese, and slaw, as well as milkshakes and sodas.
The chain has attracted celebrity investors, including Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, Maria Shriver, Michael Strahan, and Tom Werner. In June 2025, Dave's Hot Chicken was acquired by the private equity firm Roark Capital in a deal valued at $1 billion. This acquisition is expected to further fuel the chain's expansion plans, with new locations planned across the US and internationally.
Dave's Hot Chicken has received attention for its unique approach to spice, with the spice cooked into the skin and breast of the chicken rather than just slathered on top. The reaper spice level, in particular, has gained a reputation for its intense heat, slowly building in intensity over time. The chain has also been praised for its crispy chicken skin and juicy meat, with many considering it a strong contender in the growing market for fried chicken.
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The chain was founded in Los Angeles, California
Dave's Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant chain that was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 2017. The chain was started by Armenian-American friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Rubenyan, and Gary Rubenyan, who were inspired by the growing demand for fried chicken in LA and the no-frills approach of In-N-Out Burger. The first Dave's Hot Chicken was a small street food stand in a parking lot in East Hollywood, with a portable fryer, a few picnic tables, and a limited menu. The stand initially sold just one item: a hot chicken combo plate. Kopushyan, a professional chef trained by Thomas Keller at the three-Michelin-star restaurant The French Laundry, developed the chain's signature hot chicken recipe.
The chain's menu is simple, with only four choices: tenders, sliders, or both, served with a variety of spice levels ranging from "no spice" to "reaper." Customers can also choose from a few sides, including fries, mac & cheese, and slaw. Dave's Hot Chicken quickly gained popularity, and by 2022, the chain had expanded to over 100 locations in four countries. The chain has also attracted celebrity investors, including Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, Maria Shriver, Michael Strahan, and Tom Werner.
The success of Dave's Hot Chicken can be attributed to its high-quality chicken, which is brined for hours before frying, and its unique spice levels, which offer a range of flavours from mild to extremely spicy. The chain's first international location opened in Toronto, Canada, in 2021, and it has since expanded to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In 2025, Dave's Hot Chicken was acquired by the private equity firm Roark Capital Group in a deal valued at $1 billion.
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It serves Nashville-style hot chicken
Dave's Hot Chicken is an American fast-food chain that serves Nashville-style hot chicken. The chain was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 2017 by Armenian-American friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Rubenyan, and Gary Rubenyan. The group was inspired by the success of In N Out Burger and the growing demand for fried chicken in Los Angeles. Kopushyan, a professional chef trained by renowned restaurateur Thomas Keller, developed the chain's signature hot chicken recipe.
The chain's menu is simple, consisting of only four choices: chicken tenders, sliders, or both, with a variety of spice levels ranging from "no spice" to "reaper". Tenders are served on white bread, while sliders come on buns with pickles, house-made "kale slaw", and a chipotle mayo sauce known as Dave's Sauce. Sides include fries, mac & cheese, and slaw.
Every piece of boneless chicken is brined for hours before being fried, and the spice is cooked into the skin and breast, resulting in juicy meat and crispy skin. The variety in preparation methods allows for a simple menu with a range of flavour options.
Dave's Hot Chicken has experienced rapid expansion since its founding, growing from a single street food stand in East Hollywood to over 100 locations in four countries by mid-2022. The chain has celebrity investors such as Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, and Maria Shriver, and has been featured on Yelp and other online platforms, contributing to its popularity.
The chain has also expanded its offerings with snackable sliders, milkshakes with toppings, and a loyalty program for rewards and exclusive offers.
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The menu offers 7 spice levels, from no spice to reaper
Dave's Hot Chicken is a fast-food franchise that specialises in Nashville-style hot chicken. The menu offers seven spice levels, from no spice to reaper, giving customers a wide range of options to choose from.
The "no spice" option is perfect for those who want to enjoy the natural taste of the chicken. The chicken is described as having crispy skin and juicy meat, making it a delicious choice even without the added spices.
For those who want a hint of heat, the "lite mild" option is available. This is the lowest level of heat offered at Dave's, providing a gentle kick without being too overwhelming.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try the "medium" spice level. While it's not very spicy compared to the higher levels, it still packs a good amount of heat and is a popular choice for those who want a balance between flavour and spiciness.
The "hot" option at Dave's is carefully crafted to deliver a kick without being too overpowering. It provides a pleasant spice level that allows you to savour the flavour of the chicken without numbing your taste buds.
For spice enthusiasts, Dave's offers the "extra hot" option, which takes the heat up a notch. This level is perfect for those who want a more intense experience and can handle the spice.
Finally, for the brave souls, there's the infamous "reaper" spice level. Named after the Carolina Reaper pepper, this option is not for the faint of heart. It delivers a record-breaking level of spice that even spice enthusiasts might find challenging.
Each piece of chicken at Dave's is carefully brined for hours before being seasoned with one of the seven spice levels. The spices are cooked into the skin and breast, ensuring a delicious and flavourful experience with every bite.
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$28.27 $29.76
The chain has expanded to over 100 locations in 4 countries
Dave's Hot Chicken has become a popular fried chicken spot, with locations across the United States. The chain has expanded to over 100 locations in four countries, with a strong presence in the US, including cities such as San Antonio, Houston, Ashwaubenon, Denver, Boston, Las Vegas, New York, and Oklahoma City. The chain also has locations in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, bringing its total reach to four countries.
The rapid expansion of Dave's Hot Chicken can be attributed to its dedicated fan base and unique, juicy take on fried chicken. The chain has become a go-to destination for fried chicken lovers, with a menu that includes chicken sandwiches, tenders, and sliders. The ability to order online and have food ready for pick-up also adds to its popularity and convenience.
One of the key locations is in San Antonio, Texas, where Dave's Hot Chicken has established itself as a local favourite. The San Antonio branch takes pride in serving the "best chicken in town," offering juicy chicken sandwiches and tenders to satisfy cravings and cravings for a full meal.
Another notable location is Houston, Texas, where Dave's Hot Chicken has become a go-to spot for fried chicken enthusiasts in the area. With its convenient location on Dennis Street, it offers easy access and a quick fix for chicken cravings.
In addition to its US locations, Dave's Hot Chicken has expanded internationally. The chain has established a presence in Canada, bringing its unique fried chicken experience to a new market. This expansion showcases the growing demand for Dave's Hot Chicken outside of the United States, indicating its potential to become a global phenomenon.
The success and expansion of Dave's Hot Chicken demonstrate the popularity of its unique take on fried chicken. With over 100 locations in four countries, the chain has become a go-to destination for fried chicken lovers worldwide, offering a combination of delicious food, convenience, and a dedicated fan base that keeps customers coming back for more.
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Frequently asked questions
Dave's Hot Chicken is an American fast-casual restaurant chain that serves Nashville-style hot chicken. The chain was founded in 2017 in Los Angeles, California, and has since expanded to several locations across the United States and internationally.
Dave's Hot Chicken serves boneless chicken tenders and sliders. The chicken is brined for hours before being fried and seasoned with one of seven levels of spiciness, ranging from "no spice" to "reaper."
The sides available at Dave's Hot Chicken include fries, mac & cheese, and slaw. Customers can also order milkshakes and sodas to go with their meal.
Dave's Hot Chicken has locations across the United States, including California, Texas, North Carolina, and New York. The chain has also expanded internationally, with locations in Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
