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    Dave's Hot Chicken
    Fast food

    Dave's Hot Chicken

    United States flagUnited States

    "Live and Fry."

    Founded 2017 Pasadena, California CEO: Dave Kopushyan
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    About

    Dave's Hot Chicken brings Nashville-style hot chicken to the masses through a fast-casual format. The chain started with a simple pop-up in an East Hollywood parking lot in 2017, founded by four friends: Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Habetz, and Gary Raskin. What began as a late-night experiment quickly grew into a cult favorite, known for its heat scale from "No Spice" to the devastating "Reaper." By 2026, the company operates over 390 locations across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.

    The brand has attracted a roster of celebrity investors including Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, Maria Shriver, Michael Strahan, and Tom Werner. In June 2025, private equity firm Roark Capital acquired Dave's Hot Chicken in a deal valued at $1 billion, signaling the chain's explosive growth and mainstream appeal. The concept's simplicity, high-quality chicken tenders and sliders with a customizable heat level, has resonated with diners seeking bold flavors in a fast-casual setting.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Chicken tendersChicken slidersKale slawPicklesTexas toastMac and cheeseFriesExtra Dirty saucePlant-based chicken tenders

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns Dave's Hot Chicken?
    Dave's Hot Chicken is owned by private equity firm Roark Capital, which acquired the chain in June 2025 for $1 billion. The founding team, including Dave Kopushyan and Arman Oganesyan, remains involved in operations.
    Who is the CEO of Dave's Hot Chicken?
    The CEO is Dave Kopushyan, one of the co-founders. He has led the brand since its inception, overseeing its growth from a single pop-up to a global chain.
    How much is Dave's Hot Chicken worth?
    As of the Roark Capital acquisition in June 2025, Dave's Hot Chicken is valued at $1 billion. This valuation reflects its rapid expansion and strong market position in the fast-casual hot chicken segment.
    Dave's Hot Chicken vs Raising Cane's: What's the difference?
    Dave's Hot Chicken specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken with a customizable spice scale, while Raising Cane's offers a simpler menu focused on crispy chicken fingers with a signature sauce. Dave's is spicier and more adventurous, whereas Cane's is milder and more consistent.
    Is Dave's Hot Chicken still in business?
    Yes, Dave's Hot Chicken is very much in business and growing. As of early 2026, it operates over 390 locations worldwide, with plans to expand further under Roark Capital's ownership.

    Keywords

    Nashville hot chickenfast casualspice scalechicken tendersRoark Capitalcelebrity investorspop-up

    Company Info

    Founded
    2017
    Founder
    Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Habetz, Gary Raskin
    CEO
    Dave Kopushyan
    Headquarters
    Pasadena, California
    Industry
    Fast food
    Parent Company
    Roark Capital
    Revenue
    $500 million (2025 est.)
    Number of Locations
    390+ (2026)
    Acquisition
    Roark Capital, June 2025, $1 billion

    Official Website

    www.daveshotchicken.com/

    Links

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