Dave’s Hot Chicken reaches 500-restaurant milestone

Dave’s Hot Chicken has reached a milestone by opening its 500th restaurant in Phoenix. The brand, which began in 2017 as a late-night pop-up in an East Hollywood parking lot, has transitioned from a small operation into a major franchise.

Following its partnership with Wetzel’s Pretzels co-founder Bill Phelps and its 2025 move to join Roark, the company has seen rapid expansion. Since April, the brand has added approximately 100 locations.

Internationally, the chain has expanded into Canada and the Middle East. Its European presence includes a flagship in London, which initiated a 60-restaurant development agreement across the UK and Ireland. Additionally, a partnership with Azzurri Group covers 180 restaurants across 10 European countries, including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands.