Buy a Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchise

Dave’s Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken, known for its simple, crave-worthy menu and rapid expansion. Founded in Los Angeles in 2017 by four friends, including chef Dave Kopushyan, the brand quickly evolved from a humble parking lot pop-up to a global sensation, now boasting over 169 locations across 30 states and several international markets. The menu focuses on hot chicken tenders and sliders, offered at seven spice levels, and all chicken is halal. Backed by celebrity investors like Drake and Samuel L. Jackson, Dave’s has achieved remarkable growth, with a 98% sales increase and a 76% jump in restaurant count in 2023 alone. The brand was acquired by Roark Capital in 2025 for $1 billion, underscoring its strong market appeal and scalable franchise model. With nearly 950 new units in development, Dave’s Hot Chicken is positioned as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the fast-casual sector, appealing to a broad demographic and offering operational simplicity for franchisees.

Latest Resales

  • There are currently no Dave’s Hot Chicken resales available

Why buy a Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchise?

Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a proven, scalable franchise model in a booming market segment, supported by strong brand recognition, high-profile investors, and a loyal customer base. The simple menu, efficient operations, and robust franchisee support make it an attractive choice for those seeking rapid growth and profitability in the fast-casual industry.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchise Costs & Information

  • Minimum Qualifications

    • Initial Franchise Fee

      $40,000

    • Initial Investment

      $619,800 - $1,963,000

  • Royalty

    • Royalty Fee

      6%

  • Training & Support

    • 48 hours on the job training

    • 18 hours classroom training

    • Ongoing support

    • Marketing support

Dave’s Hot Chicken – Additional  Information

  1. Franchisee Support

    Franchisees benefit from robust, hands-on support, including a highly experienced operations and training team, many of whom have scaled other major concepts. The company offers structured onboarding, real estate, and construction guidance, with regular communication and accountability throughout the development process. Tools like the FranFast management suite streamline franchisee progress, ensuring efficient openings and ongoing operational support.

  2. Accolades & Awards

    Dave’s Hot Chicken was voted “Best of the City 2023” by Elevate Lifestyle in Charlotte, reflecting its dedication to quality and community impact. The brand’s rapid expansion, strong customer following, and celebrity backing have earned it significant recognition in the fast-casual industry, making it a standout among emerging restaurant franchises.

  3. Industry / Market

    The fast-casual chicken segment is experiencing explosive growth, with Dave’s Hot Chicken leading the charge. The brand saw a 98% sales increase and a 76% rise in locations in 2023, with plans to reach 275 restaurants by the end of 2024 and nearly 950 more in development. This momentum reflects strong consumer demand for hot chicken and the overall growth of the fast-casual dining sector, which continues to attract both customers and franchise investors.

  4. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisee is a driven, business-minded individual or group with a passion for hospitality and operational excellence. Experience in multi-unit restaurant operations is a plus, but the brand’s streamlined menu and scalable model make it accessible for those eager to grow within a fast-paced, high-demand environment. Owners should be committed to upholding the brand’s quality and customer experience standards.

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