Dave’s Hot Chicken isn’t just another chicken joint—it’s a cultural phenomenon. What started in a humble East Hollywood parking lot has erupted into a blazing-fast global chain. Thanks to its addictive spice levels, celebrity endorsements, and social media buzz, dave’s hot chicken has redefined what fast-casual dining can be.
But how did four friends build a hot chicken empire from scratch? And what’s behind the fire that keeps customers lining up for more?
Let’s dig in.
Summary Table: Key Facts About Dave’s Hot Chicken
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 in East Hollywood, Los Angeles |
| Founders | Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Rubenyan, Gary Rubenyan |
| Signature Item | Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders |
| Spice Levels | Ranges from No Spice to Reaper |
| Celebrity Investors | Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, Kris Humphries |
| Global Locations | USA, UK, Dubai, Canada & more |
| Number of Locations | Over 270 (as of 2025) |
| Website | daveshotchickenuk.com |
The Humble Beginnings of Dave’s Hot Chicken
In 2017, four friends had one bold idea: bring authentic Nashville hot chicken to the streets of Los Angeles. Dave Kopushyan, a trained chef from Thomas Keller’s French Laundry, joined forces with Arman Oganesyan and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan.
Armed with:
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A passion for flavor
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$900 in startup capital
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And an East Hollywood parking lot
They launched a weekend pop-up that quickly went viral.
Word spread fast—spice-loving locals couldn’t get enough. Instagram did the rest. With visually stunning chicken piled high on toasted buns, it was made for social media.
“People came for the heat… but stayed for the flavor.” – A recurring fan review online.
The Menu: Simplicity with a Kick
Unlike bloated menus that overwhelm, dave’s hot chicken keeps it simple—and spicy.
Main Items:
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Chicken Tenders
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Sliders
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Combo Meals (with kale slaw, fries, pickles, and bread)
Spice Levels:
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No Spice (for cautious eaters)
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Lite Mild
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Mild
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Medium
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Hot
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Extra Hot
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Reaper (waiver required—yes, it’s that intense)
Sides include mac & cheese, crispy crinkle-cut fries, and kale slaw—a surprisingly cooling companion to fiery chicken.
Each location may offer unique spins, like the Lubbock menu, tailored to regional tastes.
Celebrity Endorsements: Fueling the Flame
The brand got a serious boost when Drake discovered Dave’s. Not only did he become a passionate fan—he invested.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about that Reaper heat,” Drake joked in a viral post.
Other A-list investors include:
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Samuel L. Jackson
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Maria Shriver
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Kris Humphries (NBA)
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Michael Strahan
Their backing wasn’t just hype. It expanded the brand’s visibility and helped secure high-profile franchisees.
Global Expansion: Taking the Heat Worldwide
From one LA parking lot to 270+ locations, Dave’s Hot Chicken has gone global.
Current International Locations:
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UK: With a buzzing branch in London
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Dubai: Catering to the Gulf’s food lovers
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Canada: Expanding across major metros
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Middle East: Including Saudi Arabia and UAE
The brand’s approach? Keep the flavor consistent while tweaking service and portions to suit local culture.
How to Find Dave’s Hot Chicken Near You
Searching “dave’s hot chicken near me” on Google now yields results in nearly every major U.S. city and beyond. Their locations are growing rapidly, and the company plans to open 70+ new spots in the next year alone.
Under the leadership of CEO Bill Phelps (former Wetzel’s Pretzels co-founder), the chain is strategically entering high-traffic markets.
Personal Background and Net Worth
While individual founder net worths aren’t publicly confirmed, here’s what we do know:
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Dave Kopushyan, trained under culinary legend Thomas Keller
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The founding team retained equity during franchise expansion
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With over 270 locations and celebrities onboard, brand valuation is estimated to exceed $100 million
Drake’s involvement alone drove major headlines, and with rising franchise sales, those early founders are seeing serious ROI.
Why Dave’s Hot Chicken Wins (And Keeps Winning)
Emotional Triggers:
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FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) from viral food reviews
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Nostalgia for comfort food with a spicy twist
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Daring experiences like trying “Reaper” heat on camera
Strategic Moves:
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Tight menu = consistent product
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Spicy levels = personal challenge
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Celeb power = instant reach
The result? A customer experience that’s part food, part entertainment, part community.
FAQs About Dave’s Hot Chicken
Q: What makes Dave’s Hot Chicken different from other fried chicken places?
A: The spice levels, quality ingredients, and celebrity buzz. Plus, each piece is cooked to order.
Q: Is Dave’s Hot Chicken really that spicy?
A: The lower levels are friendly for all palates, but the Reaper is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Q: How many Dave’s Hot Chicken locations are there?
A: Over 270 worldwide and counting!
Q: Can I invest or franchise a Dave’s Hot Chicken?
A: Yes! Visit their official website for franchising opportunities.
Q: What are the calories in a typical Dave’s meal?
A: A two-slider combo can range from 800–1300 calories, depending on sides and spice level.
Final Thoughts
Dave’s Hot Chicken is more than just a food brand—it’s a movement. What started as a passion project in a parking lot now defines what modern fast-casual dining can be: flavorful, bold, viral, and full of personality.
With a loyal fanbase, viral spice levels, and plans to conquer more corners of the world, Dave’s Hot Chicken is one fire that shows no signs of cooling down.
