How Dave’s Hot Chicken Selects New Markets
Carolyne Canady, CFE
CDO of Dave's Hot Chicken, LLC and Franchise Owner at Dave's Hot Chicken, LLC
From a scrappy start to a global sensation, Dave’s Hot Chicken has redefined market expansion on its own terms. Kicking off 2023 with 101 stores worldwide, we surged past 200 locations by Q1 of 2024, and now have more than 950 units in development across three continents.
Beyond speed and scale, Dave’s Hot Chicken’s rapid growth is a product of its founder-led spirit and innovative market selection process.
Strategic Market Selection
Dave’s has the country covered from a traditional buildout standpoint. Now, we’re seeking partnerships with seasoned non-traditional owner-operators already making waves in high-traffic venues like airports, college campuses, and malls, where the hunger for Nashville-style hot chicken is palpable.
This is different than going to an airport and saying, ‘Hey, LAX, Dave’s Hot Chicken is interested in bidding on RFPs that might be upcoming.’ We’re looking for those operators who’ve planted their flag and now want to bring in Dave’s Hot Chicken as one of their brands. Once they’re approved, we’re ready to jump on any upcoming RFP opportunities.
We’re making other strategic moves with the start of our ambitious international expansion plans – we just signed a monumental deal with the Azzurri Group to open 60 units across the UK and Ireland, with the first location planned for London in early 2025!
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Picking Your Brand Ambassadors
It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but sustainable expansion requires a deep understanding of where your brand should go and why. In Dave’s Hot Chicken’s case, the strategy starts with assessing consumer demand and gauging franchisee interest in both domestic and international markets of interest. Expanding into a market without sufficient demand or investor interest is a non-starter.
Above all, expansion hinges on the right partnerships. Dave’s founders opened their original parking lot pop-up location to support their families and make people happy with the food they made. Today, the company centers its simple yet powerful purpose around those same themes: to serve mind-blowing hot chicken to the world, turn guests into fans and create opportunities for their teams and partners everywhere.
Aligned with our founders’ bold vision, we seek franchisees who embody our values and showcase their operational, entrepreneurial and leadership abilities. These operators will represent our brand in totally new territories, echoing the moments when John Bitove became our first international franchisee in Canada, Walid Hajj signed on for 31 locations in the Arabian Gulf region, and the Azzurri Group breaks new ground in the UK and Ireland.
Are you a seasoned multi-unit operator? Let's discuss bringing Nashville-style heat to your market!
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CEO Fatemi Investments Inc.
6 个月Hi, I’m owner of a site in Port Orange Florida with tremendous potential for a food concept and I think Dave’s would be a great fit, 50,000 cars daily, accross the street from Publix, less than 1/4 mile from I-95 exits for travelers Please DM for additional information
Corporate Exec Turned Entrepreneur, Multi-Unit Franchise Owner | Franchise Consultant, Helping Others Do the Same | Own Six Prosperous Franchises | Leveraging Decades of Experience, Guiding People to Franchise Ownership
6 个月Curious about your market selection process—what key factors do you consider when choosing new locations Carolyne Canady, CFE?
Franchise Success Group ??We help Franchise Leaders succeed by cultivating Curiosity in their approach, creating meaningful Connections within teams, and implementing Consistent operations that drive profitability.
7 个月As someone who just experienced Dave’s for the first time recently, this doesn’t seem like a surprise to me! Way to go!
President at Wynkoop Realty Group RE/MAX Commercial
8 个月????????????????????
Account Executive at Artitalia Group Inc, a Volume Manufacturer of Custom Solutions
8 个月Can't wait to see what you do next ??