From Parking Lot Pop-Up to 500 Locations: The Rise of Dave's Hot Chicken

The company’s trajectory shifted from a local sensation to a global franchise powerhouse after co-founder Arman Oganesyan and chef Dave Kopushyan partnered with Wetzel's Pretzels co-founder Bill Phelps. The brand now operates in major metropolitan hubs across the United States and has successfully exported its model to Canada, the Middle East, and Europe. A flagship location on London’s Shaftesbury Avenue serves as the anchor for a massive European development plan, which includes agreements to open 180 restaurants across ten countries, such as Germany, France, and Italy.

Despite the scale, leadership attributes the brand's endurance to the same operational obsession that defined their early days. CEO Jim Bitticks noted that the focus remains on disciplined execution and maintaining a consistent guest experience across diverse markets, from traditional street-side real estate to high-traffic airport terminals. With development rights sold for more than 1,592 locations globally, the chain is actively recruiting experienced operators to fill remaining territories in Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. The brand's rapid climb is backed by a high-profile investor group that includes Drake, Usher, and Samuel L. Jackson, all betting on the continued demand for the company's signature spicy menu.