A Blueprint for Long-term Fast-Casual Growth

In just four years, Dave's Hot Chicken has surged from two to 200 locations worldwide, but not without a blueprint for aggressive growth rooted in strategic vision and bold flavors.

Founded on the unwavering belief in the taste and quality of their product, the founders of Dave's Hot Chicken were driven by a passion to share their culinary masterpiece with the world and provide for their families. Recognizing the concept's untapped potential, CEO Bill Phelps eagerly embraced the opportunity, propelled by a mission to transform Dave's into an iconic brand known for its unrivaled quality, exceptional service, and vibrant atmosphere.

Phelps wasted no time in laying the groundwork for rapid expansion. Leveraging his deep-rooted connections and experience from previous ventures, he engineered a franchise model that empowered partners to open multiple locations across continents. Today, an astounding 100% of Dave’s franchise system operates multiple locations, and the company is set to grow to a total of 90 franchise groups in the next two years—a resounding testament to the brand's consumer and investor appeal alike.

But for Phelps, success was never about numbers. Instead, the brand measures success by its unwavering commitment to staying true to its core values of quality, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. From menu innovation to franchise partnerships, every decision is driven by the overarching mission to "Blow Their Minds."

The 14 units opened in Q1 alone prove that Dave’s Hot Chicken’s hold over the fast-casual chicken sector shows no signs of slowing down. With plans to open 90 units in 2024 and expand into new global markets, the brand is poised to continue its reign as a fast-casual powerhouse, with six locations planned for Canada and more slated for the Middle East in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Future additional multi-unit development will bring Nashville-style hot chicken to Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.

Hungry for more? Connect with me to discuss multi-unit franchising opportunities with Dave’s Hot Chicken!