Have you ever tasted something so good that you didn’t mind waiting in a line that wrapped around the block? That is the exact “vibe” people feel when they look for Daves Hot Chicken locations. What started as a tiny project between four friends has turned into a global sensation. Today, finding a spot to grab those famous Nashville-style sliders is easier than ever because they are popping up everywhere! Whether you are in sunny California, the busy streets of London, or the deserts of Dubai, the heat is spreading fast.
It is truly a “started from the bottom” story. The founders began with just $900 and a dream. They set up a small stand in an East Hollywood parking lot. They didn’t have a fancy building or a big marketing team. All they had was a portable fryer and a recipe that would eventually “blow people’s minds.” Because they focused on making the best chicken possible, the word spread like wildfire on Instagram. Now, the brand is backed by superstars like Drake and Samuel L. Jackson, making it a “must-visit” for any foodie.
Detailed Biography of Daves Hot Chicken
If you want to know the “who, what, and where” of this spicy empire, this table breaks down the essentials. It shows how a small parking lot pop-up became a billion-dollar business.
| Feature | Details |
| Founded In | May 2, 2017 |
| Founding City | East Hollywood, Los Angeles, California |
| The Founders | Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy & Gary Rubenyan |
| Initial Investment | $900 (Used for a fryer and picnic tables) |
| Headquarters | Pasadena, California |
| Total Locations | 380+ (as of early 2026) |
| Key Investors | Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, Maria Shriver, Usher |
| Signature Item | Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Sliders & Tenders |
| Spice Levels | 7 Levels (No Spice to Reaper™) |
| Parent Company | Roark Capital Group (Acquired in 2025 for $1 Billion) |
Where Can You Find Daves Hot Chicken Locations Today?
The expansion of this brand has been nothing short of a sprint. While California remains the “home base” with over 75 spots, Daves Hot Chicken locations are now active in over 40 U.S. states. Texas, Florida, and New York are also major hubs for the brand. In 2026 alone, we have seen new spots open in Federal Way, Washington, and even more expansion across the Midwest. It seems like every month, a new city gets to experience the “Reaper” challenge for the first time.
International fans aren’t being left out either! The brand has successfully crossed oceans. You can now find them in Canada, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The United Kingdom is the latest big target, with a major plan to open 60 locations across the country. London already has several popular spots, and cities like Leicester and Sheffield are joining the list. This rapid growth is why they were named the fastest-growing restaurant chain in America.
Finding a Daves Hot Chicken Near Me
If your stomach is growling and you need to find the closest Daves Hot Chicken locations, the best way is to use their official mobile app. The app doesn’t just show you a map; it lets you earn “Frequent Fryer” points for every dollar you spend. You can also visit their website and type in your zip code. Most locations are open from 11:00 AM until late at night—some even stay open until 2:00 AM or 3:00 AM on weekends for those late-night cravings!
Using Google Maps is another quick trick. Simply search for “chicken near me” or the brand name directly. You will see the street address, phone number, and even real-time photos of the lines. Because they are so popular, some spots offer “curbside pickup” or delivery through apps like UberEats and DoorDash. This means you can enjoy that spicy goodness without even leaving your couch.
What Makes Their Menu So Special?
The secret to the success of all Daves Hot Chicken locations is simplicity. They don’t try to do everything; they just try to do one thing perfectly. The menu focuses on jumbo tenders and sliders. Each piece of chicken is hand-breaded and spiced to order. This means your meal isn’t sitting under a heat lamp; it’s made fresh just for you. They use high-quality white meat that stays juicy even after being fried to a golden crunch.
Besides the chicken, the sides are legendary. The “Kale Slaw” is fresh and tangy, which helps cool down your mouth after a spicy bite. Their Mac & Cheese is creamy and rich, and the crinkle-cut fries are seasoned with a special blend of spices. Many fans also love the “Daves Sauce,” which is a chipotle-style mayo that adds a smoky kick to everything. If you really want to go all out, you can get “Cheese Fries” topped with melted goodness.
Understanding the Seven Levels of Heat
One of the most fun parts about visiting Daves Hot Chicken locations is choosing your spice level. They have something for everyone. If you hate spice, you can order “No Spice.” If you want just a tiny tingle, “Lite Mild” or “Mild” are great choices. “Medium” is the most popular because it has a nice kick but won’t ruin your day. For the brave, there is “Hot” and “Extra Hot,” which use heavy amounts of habanero and other peppers.
Then, there is the Reaper™. This level is so spicy that many locations actually make you sign a legal waiver before you eat it! It uses the Carolina Reaper pepper, which is one of the hottest peppers in the world. People often do the “Reaper Challenge” with their friends to see who can handle the heat. Just a word of advice: if you try the Reaper, make sure you have a chocolate milkshake nearby to help cool the fire!
Why Is Drake Involved with the Brand?
You might wonder why a global superstar like Drake would put his money into a chicken joint. Well, after trying the food, he became a “believer.” Drake became a major investor in 2021 because he loved the culture and the taste. Having his name attached helped the brand go viral even faster. It’s not just about the money for these celebrities; they genuinely like the “street food” roots that the founders kept alive even as the company grew.
Other famous names like Samuel L. Jackson and Usher have also joined the team. This celebrity “star power” has helped Daves Hot Chicken locations become more than just restaurants—they are cultural landmarks. When a new store opens, it’s common to see hundreds of people waiting in line, sometimes for hours. It’s a testament to how good the food really is when some of the richest people in the world want to be part of it.
The Secret Recipe: What’s Inside?
While the exact spice blend is a closely guarded secret, we know that Dave Kopushyan, the “Dave” in the name, is a professional chef. He trained under Thomas Keller at the famous French Laundry restaurant. He used his high-end culinary skills to create a “perfect” Nashville-style rub. The chicken is marinated for hours to make sure the flavor goes all the way through the meat, not just on the skin.
Every location uses the same strict standards to make sure a slider in New York tastes exactly like a slider in Los Angeles. They use a mix of various chili peppers, including cayenne and habanero, to create the different heat levels. The breading is light but very crispy, providing a “shatter” crunch when you bite into it. It’s this attention to detail that keeps people coming back to Daves Hot Chicken locations week after week.
Late Night Cravings and Store Hours
Most Daves Hot Chicken locations understand that the best time for spicy chicken is often late at night. Because of their roots as a late-night street stand, many stores stay open much later than typical fast-food places. It is very common to find them open until midnight on weekdays and even later on Friday and Saturday nights. In big cities like Las Vegas or London, some spots even serve food until 3:00 AM!
This makes them a favorite for college students, night-shift workers, or anyone looking for a “midnight snack” that actually has flavor. Before you head out, it’s always smart to check the app for the specific hours of the store near you. Some locations in smaller malls might close earlier, while standalone “street-side” shops usually have the longest hours. No matter when you go, the chicken is cooked to order, so it’s always hot and fresh.
The Future of the Spicy Empire
What is next for the brand? After being bought by Roark Capital for a billion dollars in 2025, the goal is to have over 1,000 Daves Hot Chicken locations worldwide. They are planning to enter new markets in Europe, including Germany and Spain. They are also looking at ways to make their stores more eco-friendly and tech-forward. We might see more “drive-thru” versions of the restaurant soon to make it even faster to get your food.
Even with all this growth, the founders still want to keep the “parking lot” spirit alive. They often host pop-up events where it all started in East Hollywood to celebrate their anniversaries. They want to make sure that as they become a global giant, they don’t lose the quality and the friendly service that made them famous in the first place. For fans of the brand, the future looks very bright—and very spicy!
Conclusion: Join the Hot Chicken Craze
Whether you are a “No Spice” beginner or a “Reaper” veteran, visiting one of the many Daves Hot Chicken locations is an experience you won’t forget. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a story of how hard work and a great recipe can change the world. The brand has successfully combined great food, celebrity cool, and a friendly atmosphere into one amazing package. If you haven’t tried it yet, you are definitely missing out on the biggest food trend of the decade.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, download the app, and find the nearest spot to get your fix. Just remember to order some extra Daves Sauce—you’re going to want it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Daves Hot Chicken locations are there in 2026?
As of early 2026, there are over 380 locations open globally. The brand is expanding rapidly, with hundreds more in the development pipeline across the U.S., UK, and Europe.
2. Is the Reaper spice level actually dangerous?
The Reaper is extremely hot because it uses Carolina Reaper peppers. While it isn’t “dangerous” for most healthy adults, it causes intense heat and sweating. Most locations require you to sign a waiver acknowledging the heat before you order it.
3. Does Drake actually own the company?
Drake is one of the most significant individual investors in the brand. While he doesn’t own the entire company (it was recently acquired by Roark Capital), he owns a large stake and is a very active partner in promoting the brand.
4. Can I order Daves Hot Chicken online for delivery?
Yes! Most Daves Hot Chicken locations partner with major delivery services like DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub. You can also order directly through the Daves Hot Chicken app to earn rewards.
5. Are there any vegetarian options at Daves?
Yes, they recently brought back “Daves NOT Chicken,” which uses cauliflower instead of meat. You can get cauliflower sliders or bites with all the same spice levels and signature Daves Sauce.
6. Which state has the most Daves Hot Chicken locations?
California has the most locations by far, with over 75 stores. Since the brand started in Los Angeles, it has a massive presence throughout the Golden State.