Claire Thompson
Dave's Hot Chicken is a fast-casual fried chicken chain that first opened in Los Angeles in 2017. Since then, it has expanded worldwide, with over 700 locations. In 2023, the chain announced it was opening a new location in Colorado Springs, adding to the growing number of chicken-centric eateries in the area. The Colorado Springs location opened its doors to the public in October 2023, serving its famous chicken tenders and sliders with seven spice levels, from No Spice to Reaper, the latter requiring a signed waiver due to its extreme heat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Address | 1286 Interquest Pkwy. Ste 190, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 |
| Phone Number | (719) 355-2399 |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Sun: 10:30 am to 11 pm |
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What You'll Learn
Dave's Hot Chicken's opening hours
Dave's Hot Chicken in Colorado Springs is open daily from 10:30 am to 11 pm. The restaurant is located at 1286 Interquest Pkwy, Ste 190, Colorado Springs, and can be contacted at (719) 355-2399.
Dave's Hot Chicken is a fast-growing, fast-casual chicken franchise with over 700 locations worldwide, from Denver to Dubai. The restaurant is known for its jumbo hot chicken tenders and sliders, which come in seven spice levels ranging from No Spice to Reaper, the hottest level that requires a signed waiver. Aside from their chicken, they also offer sides such as kale slaw, mac n' cheese, and french fries. Their menu also includes milkshakes.
The Colorado Springs location is owned by Jay Hafemeister and his father, Jim Hafemeister, partners in JH Foods Ltd., who also own 11 Carl's Jr. locations in town. The restaurant is decorated with street art painted by Splatter Haus, similar to all other Dave's Hot Chicken locations.
Dave's Hot Chicken has received mixed reviews from customers in Colorado Springs. Some praise the restaurant for its decent service, variety of flavors, and reasonably priced meals, while others have criticized the fried and spicy food as being too heavy.
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The history of the franchise
Dave's Hot Chicken is an American fast-casual restaurant chain with its headquarters in Pasadena, California. It was founded in 2017 by Armenian-American chef Dave Kopushyan and his childhood friends Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Rubenyan, and Gary Rubenyan. The first Dave's Hot Chicken was a small street food stand in a parking lot in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, with a limited menu and a portable fryer. The chain expanded rapidly, and by 2022, it had over 100 locations in four countries. The restaurant's walls are decorated with street art by local artists, which has become a recognizable feature of the chain.
The chain's menu is simple, with only four choices: hot chicken tenders, sliders, or both. The tenders are served on white bread, while the sliders come on buns with pickles, house-made "kale slaw," and a chipotle mayo sauce known as Dave's Sauce. Customers can choose from seven different spice levels for their chicken, ranging from "no spice" to "reaper," which requires a signed waiver due to its extreme spiciness. Sides include French fries, cheese fries, macaroni and cheese, and "kale slaw."
In 2018, Dave's Hot Chicken gained popularity after being featured on the food blog Eater Los Angeles, with lines stretching an entire block. This led to the opening of a restaurant in a nearby strip mall on Western Avenue. In 2019, the founders formed an agreement with an investment group, including former Wetzel's Pretzels CEO and co-founder Bill Phelps and Hollywood producer John Davis, to franchise the restaurant. This deal planned for more than 300 locations in the United States and Canada, with Phelps as the chain's new CEO.
The chain's growth continued, with new locations opening across the United States. In 2021, they opened upwards of 30 new locations and expanded into Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, and Texas. In 2022, they expanded into Wisconsin, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Florida, Kentucky, New York, Oklahoma, Arizona, Idaho, and New Jersey. This rapid expansion was fueled by word-of-mouth marketing from influencers and celebrities on social media, including rapper Drake, who has given away free chicken sandwiches to his Instagram followers on his birthday since 2022.
In June 2025, Dave's Hot Chicken was acquired by the private equity firm Roark Capital in a deal valued at $1 billion. Roark Capital owns other iconic brands such as Dunkin' Donuts, Subway, and Buffalo Wild Wings. As of 2025, Dave's Hot Chicken has nearly 300 locations, including one in Colorado Springs, located at 1286 Interquest Pkwy, Ste 190, Colorado Springs, CO 80920/80921. The Colorado Springs location is open daily from 10:30 am to 11:00 pm.
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The menu and spice levels
Dave's Hot Chicken in Colorado Springs offers a range of spice levels to cater to different tastes and tolerance levels. The spice levels start from "No Spice" for those who want to enjoy the flavour without the heat, and go all the way up to "Reaper", which is so spicy that it requires a signed waiver to attempt. This extreme spice level is not for the faint-hearted, and even experienced spice enthusiasts should proceed with caution.
For those who enjoy a milder kick, the "No Spice" option provides a flavourful experience without the tongue-numbing heat. This is perfect for those who want to savour the chicken's natural flavours and enjoy the juicy tenderness of the meat without the spice overpowering it.
If you're looking for a gentle warmth that builds as you eat, the "Mild" spice level is a great option. It adds a subtle kick that enhances the flavour of the chicken without being overwhelming. This is perfect for those who want to dip their toes into the world of spicy chicken without diving into the deep end.
For spice enthusiasts who crave a more intense experience, the "Medium" spice level delivers a satisfying punch. It offers a balance between flavour and heat, ensuring that you get a nice kick without sacrificing the delicious taste of the chicken. This option is perfect for those who want to break a gentle sweat while still being able to taste the other elements of their meal.
The "Hot" spice level is not for the faint-hearted. It delivers a significant kick that will satisfy spice aficionados. This level is perfect for those who enjoy the endorphin rush that comes with tackling fiery foods. The heat builds with every bite, creating a lasting impression that will keep you reaching for your drink but craving more.
For those who think they can handle it, the "Extra Hot" spice level takes things up a notch. It's not just hot, it's extra hot. This level is for experienced spice enthusiasts who have a high tolerance for heat and are looking for a serious challenge. It's not just about the spice, though; the extra hot spice level also enhances the natural flavours of the chicken, creating a complex and intense sensory experience.
Finally, for the brave souls who dare to venture into the extreme, the "Reaper" spice level awaits. This is not just for the faint of heart, and a signed waiver is required for a reason. The reaper spice level is named after the infamous Carolina Reaper chilli, known for its scorching heat. It delivers an intense, throat-burning sensation that will push your taste buds to their limits. Attempting this spice level is not just about tolerance; it's about embracing the thrill of conquering the ultimate spicy food challenge.
In addition to the spice levels, Dave's Hot Chicken offers a variety of sides to accompany your meal. The kale slaw provides a refreshing crunch and a tangy flavour that helps balance out the spice. The mac n' cheese is a comfort food classic, offering a creamy and cheesy contrast to the spicy chicken. And of course, what's a fried chicken meal without French fries? These crispy, golden treats are the perfect side to complete your spicy feast.
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Other chicken eateries in Colorado Springs
Dave's Hot Chicken in Colorado Springs is open from 10:30 am to 11 pm daily. The fast-growing franchise is known for its jumbo hot chicken tenders and sliders, offered in seven spice levels ranging from No Spice to Reaper.
If you're craving some finger-licking chicken in Colorado Springs, there are several other eateries to satisfy your cravings. Here are some options:
Daddy's Chicken Shack
Daddy's Chicken Shack serves chicken sandwiches, Nashville Hot Chicken, and grilled chicken. Their chicken is brined in buttermilk and served between brioche buns. They also offer a unique twist on the traditional with a funnel cake-style waffle, served with your choice of pressure-cooked or grilled chicken and drizzled with maple syrup.
Juniper Valley Ranch
A 4th generation family-owned restaurant located 15 miles south of Colorado Springs on Highway 115. Juniper Valley Ranch has been serving legendary skillet-fried chicken and delicious, simple dinners made from scratch since 1951. Their historic adobe house is located on their 100-year-old original homestead.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers a range of dishes, including a juicy and flavorful Korean fried chicken that has received rave reviews. Their chicken is described as crispy and sweet, with a hot kick of spice and clean, pure flavors.
Pollo Asado Food Truck
This food truck serves up incredible barbecue chicken, with fresh, homemade tortillas, salsa, Mexican-style beans, and rice.
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Customer reviews
Dave's Hot Chicken in Colorado Springs has received mixed reviews from customers. While some praise the restaurant for its spicy chicken and professional service, others have been disappointed by the food's texture and taste.
One customer review on Birdeye mentions that the staff were welcoming and well-trained, and that the chicken was very spicy, just as they were looking for. They also appreciated that their online order was accurate. Another reviewer on the same platform mentions that the chicken has an odd texture due to the powder coating, which also made it less flavourful. They also noted that the chicken appeared to be undercooked. However, they did enjoy the flavour of the Extra Hot option.
A Reddit user mentions that the food at Dave's Hot Chicken is tasty, but it caused some digestive issues due to the fried and spicy nature of the dish. They also comment on the traffic and prices, stating that the meals are reasonably priced for the area at around $10.
Another reviewer on Birdeye had a negative experience, describing the restaurant as smelling unpleasant and being overall disappointing.
Dave's Hot Chicken in Colorado Springs offers a range of spice levels for their chicken tenders and sliders, including No Spice and Reaper, the hottest option which requires a signed waiver. The restaurant also serves sides such as kale slaw, mac n' cheese, and french fries.
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Frequently asked questions
Dave's Hot Chicken opened in Colorado Springs in September 2023.
Dave's Hot Chicken in Colorado Springs is open daily from 10:30 am to 11 pm.
Dave's Hot Chicken is known for its jumbo hot chicken tenders and sliders, which are offered in seven spice levels ranging from No Spice to Reaper (which requires a signed waiver). They also serve sides like kale slaw, mac n' cheese, and french fries.
Dave's Hot Chicken is located at 1286 Interquest Pkwy, Ste 190, Colorado Springs, CO 80920/80921.
Yes, Dave's Hot Chicken is a fast-growing, fast-casual chicken chain with over 700 locations worldwide, including in Denver and Dubai.
