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 Carolyne Canady to open five locations in Orange County, California.
As part of the deal, Canady is looking to grow the Nashville Hot Chicken concept deeper into California focusing on adding locations in Orange County. A lease has already been signed for one of the locations in Santa Ana at 3332 South Bristol Street in the bustling Bristol Place outdoor shopping mall.
Dave’s Hot Chicken works well in a variety of floor plans. The team is seeking 2,000 to 2,500 square feet endcaps and freestanding locations, with drive-thru infrastructure a plus. Real estate developers should contact Sam Moore at 949-717-7711 x16 to review available space.
Most recently, Canady lead the development of Blaze Pizza nationally and internationally. Before moving into a franchise development role, Canady spent years in company operations while at Taco Bell and Carl’s Jr.
“I knew Dave’s Hot Chicken was a can’t-miss opportunity because I have worked alongside the accomplished Bill Phelps in past endeavors and if he believes in a brand, I do too, because I believe in him,” explains Canady. “Aside from Bill and other top talent investors involved, the food and atmosphere at Dave’s Hot Chicken can’t be beat. I’m so excited to join the brand and become part of this next hot concept.”
A California restaurant industry veteran, Canady’s 27 years of experience in the restaurant and franchising industries made her a prime candidate to continue expanding Dave’s Hot Chicken into Orange County.
“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to work with Carolyne over the past several years and I know that she is going to be a rockstar operator,” says Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “With her franchising knowledge and keen understanding of operations combined with her enthusiasm for the brand, the development of Dave’s Hot Chicken in Orange County is in good hands.”
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 through franchising and has several multi-unit agreements in development.
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.
