Dave's Hot Chicken Opens 500th Restaurant in Phoenix
Dave's Hot Chicken opened its 500th restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona on October 8, 2026, marking rapid growth from a 2017 pop-up to a global franchise with over 1,500 development rights sold worldwide.
Dave's Hot Chicken opened its 500th restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona on October 8, 2026. The brand added roughly 100 locations in about six months, having reached its 400th restaurant earlier in 2026. Shortly after that 400th milestone, the chain opened eight restaurants in a single day in April across markets from Connecticut to Utah.
Leadership and origins
The brand's explosive growth traces back to a modest start in 2017. Three childhood friends pooled $900 to launch a late-night pop-up in an East Hollywood parking lot. They used portable fryers on folding tables. The founders are classically trained chef Dave Kopushyan and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. Co-founder Arman Oganesyan and Bill Phelps, co-founder of Wetzel's Pretzels, partnered with them to begin franchising Dave's Hot Chicken nationwide. Jim Bitticks serves as the chain's CEO.
Jim Bitticks said: "Reaching 500 restaurants is an incredible milestone, especially when you consider where Dave’s started and how quickly the brand has grown."
Domestic market presence
The chain has established a strong foothold in major U.S. metropolitan markets. Its restaurants now operate in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The brand has also expanded into major airports across the country. It is now seeking qualified franchise operators for key markets such as Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.
International expansion
Global growth has been rapid. Dave's Hot Chicken has already expanded across Canada and the Middle East. Its European debut came with a high-profile flagship on London's Shaftesbury Avenue. That opening kicked off a 60-restaurant development agreement across the U.K. and Ireland. The brand then expanded its partnership with Azzurri Group through an additional 180-restaurant agreement spanning 10 European countries.
The table below outlines the key international development agreements:
| Region/Partner | Number of Restaurants | Countries Covered |
|---|---|---|
| U.K. and Ireland | 60 | United Kingdom, Ireland |
| Azzurri Group (Europe) | 180 | France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, and 4 others |
In total, development rights have been sold for more than 1,592 locations across the globe.
Franchise model and support
The brand's growth is fueled by a structured franchising system. It offers national and local marketing support to operators. The model includes proven systems, manuals, and operating procedures. Assistance with site selection is also part of the package. Prospective franchisees can find more information at the brand's dedicated website. The brand is seeking qualified franchise operators for key markets such as Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.
