The Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise is slowly taking over the country, and it's only a matter of time before the California-based chain is tickling tongues throughout Tampa Bay with its first locations in Florida.
And there won’t be just one—but eight—eventual Dave’s Hot Chicken locations serving Tampa Bay. In a press release, owners said they are eying Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties for their first locations, which could open starting as early as next year.
The founders of the hot chicken joint will be assisted by the owners of Tampa Bay’s Fuzzy’s Tacos franchises, Tampa natives Ian and Adam Lieberman. The brothers—who operate Fuzzy’s locations in Brandon, Temple Terrace, Lakeland, Riverview, and Land O' Lakes—are no strangers to the Tampa Bay fast-casual food scene. The Lieberman’s are on a quest to locate the best places for the first wave of Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants whether they’re ground leases, 2nd-generation remodels or build-to-suit leases.
An ideal space for a Dave’s Hot Chicken location is about 2,000 to 3,000 square feet with pre-existing drive-thru infrastructure (or the potential to build one.)
The Dave’s Hot Chicken menu is relatively simple, but is known for packing the heat—hence the name—with spiciness levels ranging from “no spice” to “the reaper.” Alongside its chicken, staples on the Dave’s menu include house-made kale slaw, mac & cheese and cheese fries.
Besides its nationwide grand openings making waves in the media, Dave’s Hot Chicken recently made headlines when rapper Drake announced his investment in the L.A.-based company. But the Certified Lover Boy isn't the only celebrity to recently put up money for Dave’s—actor Samuel L. Jackson and Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner are stakeholders as well.
According to Restaurant Business, the hot chicken chain eventually plans to open a whopping 280 locations from coast-to-coast—with 40 new locations confirmed this year alone.
Dave’s will be the latest hot chicken dealer to hit the Tampa Bay area, as Nash’s Hot Chicken serves downtown St. Petersburg, Big Shakes Hot Chicken will debut in Tampa soon, and the rapidly-expanding local chain King of the Coop opens new locations on both sides of the bridge. The competition will be quite spicy.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team works tirelessly to bring you news on how coronavirus is affecting Tampa Bay and surrounding areas all while giving you the food and drink news you crave. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Want to know everything going on with Tampa Bay's food and drink scene? Sign up for our Bites newsletter.
