Dave’s Hot Chicken Continues Its California Takeover
Family Ownership Group Signs Agreement with Fan-Favorite Nashville Hot Chicken Concept to Open Locations in Irvine, Orange and Tustin
IRVINE, Calif. — Dave’s Hot Chicken, the Los Angeles-based street food sensation turned breakthrough fast-casual brand, announced today it has inked a franchise agreement with sisters Mariam and Angela El Haj to open six locations in Orange County. Their focus will be on opening restaurants in Irvine, Orange and Tustin.
Dave’s Hot Chicken works well in a variety of floor plans. The team is seeking endcaps with drive-thru infrastructure and a footprint of 2,000 to 2,200 square feet. Real estate developers should contact Sam Moore at (310) 701-6168 to review available space.
“There isn’t a flavor profile quite like the one Dave’s Hot Chicken has, even compared to other Nashville Hot Chicken. It is so unique and complex, definitely belonging in its own category,” said Mariam El Haj. “Plus, the brand is young, exciting and relevant. The area lacks in Nashville Hot Chicken options, and when the opportunity with Dave’s presented itself, it was something we couldn’t pass up.”
Mariam and Angela El Haj bring a wealth of knowledge in both restaurants and franchising with them to Dave’s Hot Chicken. Their family owns several national chain locations in the area as well as a Mexican cantina opening soon.
“Mariam and Angela are exactly the type of operating partners that we are looking to grow alongside. As a cultural fit, we are confident that they will create the same energy and experience in Irvine, Orange and Tustin that we aim to produce in each restaurant,” said Shannon Swenson, Vice President of Franchise Development at Dave’s Hot Chicken. “Their ties to the area and experience in the restaurant industry made this deal a no-brainer. We are thrilled to continue growing Dave’s Hot Chicken and we are excited for the months ahead.”
Founded by classically-trained chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends in early 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up, with lines quickly wrapping around the block. Since then, the brand has exploded in popularity and now has multiple brick-and-mortar locations open in Southern California. Today, the fast-casual brand has its sights set on growing throughout the United States and currently has more than 200 units committed in less than nine months of announcing the franchise initiative.
Specializing in hot chicken tenders and sliders, with spice levels ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper,” each restaurant also serves sides of house-made Kale Slaw, creamy Mac & Cheese and crispy Fries or Cheese Fries.
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a robust business model, including national and local marketing support, proven systems, manuals and operating procedures, as well as assistance with site selection. As the brand expands, it is seeking qualified, experienced and passionate restaurant operators and franchise groups to develop the concept in key markets.
To learn more about Dave’s Hot Chicken and its franchise opportunities, visit https://www.daveshotchicken.com/franchising.
About Dave’s Hot Chicken
Chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends opened the first Dave’s Hot Chicken as a parking lot pop-up in early 2017. A self-described “spice freak,” Kopushyan fell in love with the flavor profile of Nashville Hot Chicken and wanted to bring that experience to Los Angeles natives. Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly took off, opening its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in East Hollywood. Now, backed by Bill Phelps, co-founder of Wetzel’s Pretzels and one of the original investors in Blaze Pizza, Dave’s Hot Chicken is focused on bringing its crave-able tenders and sliders to communities throughout the country. Additional brand investors include former California First Lady Maria Shriver, movie producer John Davis, Red Sox owner Tom Werner, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and Good Morning America anchor and retired NFL player Michael Strahan.
