Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave's Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and sides. The company was founded in 2017 by four childhood friends—Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Rubenyan, and Gary Rubenyan—who started with a modest $900 pop-up in an East Hollywood parking lot. From these humble beginnings, Dave's Hot Chicken has grown into a prominent franchise across North America.

The founders placed a strong emphasis on culinary quality from the start. Dave Kopushyan, a classically trained chef with experience at The French Laundry, dedicated months to perfecting the spice blends and flavors that define the brand. This focus on quality helped the brand gain a loyal following, leading to seed funding that supported the opening of its first brick-and-mortar location and the development of a franchise model.

As of November 2025, Dave's Hot Chicken has established a presence in key regions such as the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, South, and West Coast. The brand's expansion continues to gain momentum, driven by strong franchise demand and its ability to appeal to a broad range of consumers. The company has achieved a valuation exceeding one billion dollars, highlighting its credibility and appeal in the competitive restaurant market.

The brand's success is supported by strategic partnerships with notable investors like Roark Capital Group, Drake, Michael Strahan, and Maria Shriver. These partnerships have provided the operational expertise and capital necessary for national growth. Dave's Hot Chicken's menu remains focused and simple, with chicken tenders as the centerpiece. In 2024, the brand introduced its first major menu addition, Dave's Not Chicken, a cauliflower-based alternative, reflecting its careful approach to innovation.

Dave's Hot Chicken's franchise model has been instrumental in its expansion, allowing the brand to penetrate new markets while maintaining quality and consistency. With multi-unit franchisees actively developing portfolios, the brand is poised for continued growth. Its distinctive product offering and strong brand identity make Dave's Hot Chicken a noteworthy player in the fast-casual chicken segment.