New Place, Same Flavor! Introducing Dave’s to Fresh Markets

Driven by a bold team of multi-unit franchisees, Dave’s Hot Chicken has engineered a franchise model designed for rapid, sustainable growth without compromising the brand’s authenticity. Drawing on CEO @Bill Phelps’ deep industry experience with brands like Blaze Pizza and Wetzel’s Pretzels, the expansion plan centers on a network of seasoned operators who bring the experience and knowledge to operate new locations seamlessly around the globe.?

The secret behind Dave’s Hot Chicken’s rise is simple but powerful: keep incredible flavor and unwavering brand loyalty at the center. During a fireside chat at this year’s QSR Evolution Conference, President and COO @Jim Bitticks described it this way: “We’re able to keep growing because the profitability’s there, the franchisees have interest, and the business continues to excel… because the food quality is there and the service is there. It’s just this self-sustaining model.”??

Fan-Fueled Growth and Unfiltered Brand Identity??

Buzz around new market entries is fueled by a fanatic fanbase—85 million organic TikTok views strong—who help drive the brand’s image. We lean into user-generated content and stay front of mind with high-profile partnerships, localized outreach, and digital campaigns, putting us on the market’s radar well before a grand opening.??

In contrast to more polished brands, Dave’s no-frills approach sticks to what really matters: insanely good food. The concept started with only two heat levels, mild or hot, but as customer feedback began playing a role, the founders developed another five heat options to create an approachable entry point for a range of palates.?

As a result, new franchisees are drawn to the consistency of the menu and the brand’s deep-rooted commitment to the quality of the product.?

Strategic Market Entries and Impactful Partnerships?

Dave’s Hot Chicken knows how to make an entrance, and its Georgia debut was no exception. With the backing of Andrew Feghali and Lawrence Kourie, two of Dave’s original franchisees, Dave’s launched its first Georgia location this August alongside music icon Usher. The grand opening featured a traffic-stopping drone show and put Dave’s on the radar across the state.??

?There’s no shortage of franchisee interest overseas, either. Dave’s recently signed a 60-unit franchise agreement with the Azzurri Group, covering the U.K. and Ireland. With the first location set to open in London in a few weeks, Dave’s international growth strategy is well underway.?

The future looks hotter than ever for Dave’s, with plans to make Nashville-style heat a global sensation through strategic international deals, innovative non-traditional locations, and a domestic footprint that’s growing fast.??

Connect with me to see where Dave’s Hot Chicken flies next!??

?