Dave's Hot Chicken

Dave's Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken. Founded in 2017 by childhood friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Rubenyan, and Gary Rubenyan, the brand began as a street food stand in Los Angeles, California. The founders developed a signature hot chicken recipe inspired by the no-frills approach of In-N-Out Burger and the growing demand for fried chicken in Los Angeles.

The initial setup featured a portable fryer, picnic tables, and a limited menu, offering only a hot chicken combo plate. The stand's popularity surged after being featured on the food blog Eater Los Angeles, leading to lines that reportedly stretched an entire block.

By late 2018, the stand transitioned into a full-fledged restaurant in a nearby strip mall on Western Avenue. It featured street art by local artists, a style that has become a recognizable feature of the chain.

Menu and Offerings

Dave's Hot Chicken offers a menu centered around its signature Nashville-style hot chicken, available in various forms such as tenders, sliders, and bites. Customers can choose from seven spice levels, ranging from 'No Spice' to the extremely spicy 'Reaper' flavor.

Accompaniments include seasoned fries, mac and cheese, and kale slaw. To complement the heat, the chain offers 'Top-Loaded Shakes,' milkshakes topped with a variety of ingredients like Oreo or M&M pieces. For group dining, 'Hot Boxes' are available, featuring multiple tenders or sliders with varying spice levels.

Investment and Ownership

The brand has attracted notable investors including rapper Drake, actor Samuel L. Jackson, former First Lady of California Maria Shriver, athlete and TV personality Michael Strahan, and Boston Red Sox owner 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.

Roark Capital, based in Atlanta, specializes in franchised businesses and previously acquired Subway in 2023.

Company Size and Expansion

As of August 2025, Dave's Hot Chicken operates over 280 locations across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.

The chain has plans to expand to 400 restaurants globally by the end of the year.

Locations

The company has numerous locations across the United States. Key locations include:

• Santa Rosa, CA
• Gilbert, AZ
• Portland, OR
• Algonquin, IL
• Seattle, WA
• Chicago, IL
• Fargo, ND
• Kansas City, MO
• Fountain Valley, CA
• San Jose, CA
• Manchester, NH
• Burlington, VT
• Jeffersonville, IN
• Vancouver, WA
• Charlotte, NC
• San Diego, CA

In Santa Rosa, the restaurant is situated at 1000 Coddingtown Center, offering the same signature Nashville-style hot chicken and sides.