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March 8, 2022

Dave’s Hot Chicken plans to add area restaurants

PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Dave’s Hot Chicken is expanding into the Connecticut market, with plans for eight new locations in the New Haven and Fairfield areas.

The company, which is based in Los Angeles, announced Tuesday it has entered into a franchise agreement with restaurateur Chris Johnson for the Connecticut eateries.

Johnson has spent the bulk of his career in the restaurant industry, including opening and operating 69 Burger King locations in seven states.

Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, said the New England region is “ripe for growth” for the company.

“I’m excited that we’ve partnered with a seasoned operator like Chris to help us grow our presence,” Phelps said, in an announcement.

Aside from indicating the new restaurants will be in the New Haven and Fairfield areas, the company did not yet provide specific addresses.

Dave’s Hot Chicken’s menu features chicken tenders and sliders. Customers can pick their preferred spice level, from “No Spice” to the really hot “Reaper.” It also offers side dishes such as kale slaw, macaroni and cheese, crispy fries and cheesy fries.

According to Johnson, he wanted to grow his portfolio with a chicken concept.

“Dave’s Hot Chicken appeared on my radar and really set themselves apart from the pack,” Johnson said.

Dave’s Hot Chicken was founded in 2017 by a chef, Dave Kopushyan, and three of his friends, Arman Oganesyan and Tommy and Gary Rubenyan.

The eatery started as a pop-up in parking lots, with its first brick-and-mortar location in East Hollywood. In 2019, the founders struck a deal with Phelps, who had co-founded Wetzel’s Pretzels, and movie producer John Davis to begin franchising the Dave’s Hot Chicken concept throughout the U.S. and beyond. 

Several high profile individuals have become brand investors, including music artist Drake, former California First Lady Maria Shriver, Red Sox owner Tom Werner, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and Good Morning America anchor and retired NFL player Michael Strahan.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has grown to more than 40 locations. The company anticipates another 75 locations will open in 2022.

The Nashville-style spicy chicken trend has proven to be popular. Haven Hot Chicken launched in New Haven in 2020 and has since announced plans to expand to Orange.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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