Emily Carter
Dave's Hot Chicken, a Nashville-style hot chicken chain, opened its first Jacksonville restaurant on April 18, 2025, at the St. Johns Town Center. The restaurant, located at 10261 River Marsh Drive, Suite 137, is the chain's 10th Florida location and the second of at least five planned for North Florida. 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 since expanded to over 300 restaurants across 38 states and has attracted celebrity investors such as Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, and retired NFL player Michael Strahan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | 17 April 2025 |
| First Location in Jacksonville | St. Johns Town Center |
| Address | 10261 River Marsh Drive, Suite 137 |
| Food | Jumbo Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, chicken tender bites, fries, mac & cheese, kale slaw, and shakes |
| Number of Locations | More than 300 restaurants across 38 states |
| Celebrity Investors | Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Werner, Maria Shriver, and Michael Strahan |
| Founder | Dave Kopushyan |
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Location Founded | East Hollywood |
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What You'll Learn
- Dave's Hot Chicken's first Jacksonville restaurant opened on April 18, 2025
- The Nashville-style chicken chain is located at St. Johns Town Center
- The restaurant was founded in East Hollywood in 2017 by four friends
- Dave's Hot Chicken has more than 300 restaurants across 38 states
- The Jacksonville restaurant offers seven levels of spice, from “No Spice” to Reaper
Dave's Hot Chicken's first Jacksonville restaurant opened on April 18, 2025
Dave's Hot Chicken, a Nashville-style hot chicken chain, opened its first restaurant in Jacksonville on April 18, 2025. The restaurant, located at the St. Johns Town Center, is known for its hot chicken tenders, sliders, and chicken tender bites served with a range of spice levels. Founded in East Hollywood in 2017 as a pop-up chicken stand by four friends, including professional chef Dave Kopushyan, the brand has seen remarkable growth. Celebrity investors, such as actor and rapper Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, and retired NFL player Michael Strahan, have contributed to its expansion.
The Jacksonville location at 10261 River Marsh Drive, Suite 137, is part of the chain's plan to open at least five franchise restaurants in the city and Gainesville. It is the chain's 10th restaurant in Florida and the second of five planned for North Florida. The restaurant takes over a 2,697-square-foot corner unit storefront between Firehouse Subs and PetSmart.
Dave's Hot Chicken offers a unique dining experience with its Nashville-style hot chicken. Customers can choose from various spice levels, ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper," which is infamously hot and requires a signed waiver. The chicken is served in tenders, sliders, or bites, accompanied by sides like fries, mac & cheese, or kale slaw.
The Jacksonville opening generated significant buzz, with fans lining up outside for the grand opening on April 18, 2025. The chain's popularity stems from its flavorful food, fresh ingredients, and unique spice levels. With over 300 restaurants across 38 states and locations in Canada and the Middle East, Dave's Hot Chicken has become a go-to destination for Nashville-style hot chicken enthusiasts.
The Jacksonville restaurant's opening marks a significant milestone for the brand, solidifying its presence in Florida and offering locals a chance to indulge in the famous hot chicken tenders and sliders that have taken the nation by storm.
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The Nashville-style chicken chain is located at St. Johns Town Center
Dave's Hot Chicken is a Nashville-style chicken chain that has opened its first restaurant in Jacksonville at St. Johns Town Center. The restaurant is located at 10261 River Marsh Drive, Suite 137, a corner unit between Firehouse Subs and PetSmart.
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 since then, especially after actor and rapper Drake became a significant investor. Other celebrity investors include Samuel L. Jackson, former California first lady Maria Shriver, and retired NFL player Michael Strahan.
The Nashville-style chicken chain offers jumbo hot chicken tenders, sliders, and chicken tender bites. The chicken is served with a range of spice options, from none to "Reaper", which is reportedly so hot that it requires a signed waiver. 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.
The Jacksonville location is part of the chain's expansion in Florida, with plans to open at least five locations in the state, including Gainesville and Pembroke Pines. The St. Johns Town Center restaurant is the chain's 10th location in Florida and the second of five planned for North Florida.
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The restaurant was founded in East Hollywood in 2017 by four friends
Dave's Hot Chicken is set to open its first restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, on April 18, 2025, at the St. Johns Town Center. This will be the chain's 10th location in the state and the second of at least five planned for North Florida.
Oganesyan, a high school dropout, pitched the idea of selling Nashville hot chicken to his childhood friends Dave Kopushyan and Tommy Rubenyan. The friends pooled their savings and developed a Nashville hot chicken recipe, drawing inspiration from the popular Los Angeles restaurant Howlin' Ray's. They spent months eating at various fried chicken restaurants, watching documentaries, and experimenting in Kopushyan's kitchen.
Dave's Hot Chicken has seen significant growth since its founding. The brand gained attention when actor and rapper Drake became a significant investor in 2021, and the company now has more than 300 restaurants across 32 to 38 states, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. The chain specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and chicken tender bites served with a range of spice levels.
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Dave's Hot Chicken has more than 300 restaurants across 38 states
Dave's Hot Chicken is set to open its first restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, on April 17 or 18, 2025. The Nashville-style hot chicken chain, which began as a parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood in 2017, has experienced rapid growth and now boasts over 300 restaurants across 38 states, with locations in Canada, the Middle East, and possibly more countries.
The Jacksonville restaurant, located at the St. Johns Town Center, will be the chain's 10th in Florida and the second of at least five planned for North Florida. Dave's Hot Chicken is known for its jumbo Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and chicken tender bites, served with a range of spice levels to cater to different tastes. For those who prefer a milder option, there is no spice available, while the daring can try the "Reaper," which is notoriously hot and requires a signed waiver. Aside from its signature chicken dishes, Dave's also offers a selection of sides, including fries, cheese fries, mac & cheese, and kale slaw, as well as shakes made with real ice cream and topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Oreos, or M&M's.
The success of Dave's Hot Chicken can be attributed to its founders, four friends, including professional chef Dave Kopushyan, who started the business with just $900 in 2017. The company gained significant attention when actor and rapper Drake became a prominent investor, and its celebrity investor list has since grown to include names like Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Werner, Maria Shriver, and Michael Strahan. With such strong backing and a unique, popular product, the chain has rapidly expanded across the United States and beyond.
As of 2025, Dave's Hot Chicken has been acquired by the private equity firm Roark Capital in a deal valued at $1 billion. This acquisition is expected to further accelerate the company's expansion plans, bringing its famous Nashville-style hot chicken to even more locations across the country and internationally. With over 300 restaurants already established and more on the way, Dave's Hot Chicken has become a prominent player in the restaurant industry, offering a unique and popular take on the classic Nashville-style hot chicken.
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The Jacksonville restaurant offers seven levels of spice, from “No Spice” to Reaper
Dave's Hot Chicken is a rapidly growing restaurant chain that began as a parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood in 2017. Founded by four friends, including professional chef Dave Kopushyan, with just $900, the chain now boasts over 300 restaurants across 38 states, Canada, and the Middle East. The brand has attracted celebrity investors, including actor and rapper Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, and retired NFL player Michael Strahan.
The chain specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and chicken tender bites. The Jacksonville restaurant, located at the St. Johns Town Center, offers seven levels of spice, from "No Spice" to "Reaper." The "Reaper" spice level is so hot that it requires a signed waiver and is not for the faint of heart. For those who prefer a milder option, the "No Spice" level provides a flavourful experience without the heat.
In addition to its spice options, Dave's Hot Chicken offers a variety of sides and desserts. Their chicken dishes are served with fries, mac & cheese, or kale slaw. To cool things off, customers can enjoy shakes made with real ice cream, topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Oreos, or M&M's.
The Jacksonville location, which opened its doors on April 17, 2025, is the chain's 10th restaurant in Florida and the second of at least five planned for North Florida. Fans lined up outside for the grand opening, eager to get their hands on Dave's famous hot chicken. The restaurant is located at 10261 River Marsh Drive, Suite 137, between Firehouse Subs and PetSmart.
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Frequently asked questions
Dave's Hot Chicken opened its first restaurant in Jacksonville on April 18, 2025.
Dave's Hot Chicken in Jacksonville is located at the St. Johns Town Center, 10261 River Marsh Drive, Suite 137.
Dave's Hot Chicken is famous for its jumbo Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and chicken tender bites, served with fries, mac & cheese, or kale slaw. The spice levels range from "No Spice" to "Reaper", which is so hot that it requires a signed waiver.
