From Leadership to Franchisee: My Journey with Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave's Hot Chicken has emerged as a culinary sensation and strategic success story in the fast-casual dining industry, marked by unprecedented growth and a unique leadership model. As the Chief Development Officer (CDO) at Dave's, I've had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to our brand's fast-casual takeover.

In my opinion, our historic growth can be traced back to the combination of our collaborative, driven team, easy-to-execute menu, and the industry’s finest multi-unit franchisees. When you have a profitable franchise model and seasoned multi-unit operators moving simultaneously, you can grow fast!

Aside from those factors, one of the most distinctive features of our leadership model is the significant representation of franchisees in our C-suite, an idea brought to life by Dave’s CEO Bill Phelps. This intentional decision brings a nuanced understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities faced by our franchisees. Our “boots on the ground” approach makes us a more empathetic and effective franchisor and sets us apart as active leaders in the competitive fast-casual Nashville-style hot chicken category.

I am a franchisee and have operated two Dave's Hot Chicken units since 2020. I opened my stores within 3 months of one another, and operationally, they perform in the top 5% of the brand system. It just so happens that the entire executive team at Dave’s Hot Chicken views leadership this way—President and COO Jim Bitticks, CFO James McGehee, and VP of Operations & Training ?Juan Lopez further contribute to this dynamic by co-owning two stores together.

At Dave’s, the corporate team's firsthand involvement as franchisees isn't just symbolic—it's strategic. It ensures that our brand remains hyper-aware of the impact of operational changes and everyday challenges stores face.

As we aim for further expansion, with over 860 units in our development pipeline and plans to open between 70 and 100 annually, our growth isn't just about numbers—it's about the relationships we build and the success we share. This hands-on, franchisee-centric approach is at the heart of Dave’s Hot Chicken’s philosophy, guiding us as we navigate the future of fast-casual franchising.