Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken operates in the fast-casual dining sector, specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken prepared in a streamlined, high-efficiency format. The concept is built around a concise menu, clear branding, and a strong visual identity, which together create a recognizable customer experience across markets. Its franchise model is distinguished by operational simplicity, strong social-media resonance, and a design approach that supports quick build-outs and consistent store execution.

Global presence and franchise development

The brand has expanded rapidly across North America and the Middle East. A significant development is its European entry through an exclusive agreement targeting the opening of 180 restaurants across France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Italy, and Turkey. The United Kingdom is also part of the current growth strategy, with openings in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. This framework positions the company as an emerging global fast-casual player with a structured multi-country rollout.

Franchise process, investment requirements, and support

Prospective franchisees must meet defined financial criteria. The company requires approximately USD 2,500,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of USD 5,000,000 for multi-unit development. The initial investment per restaurant ranges from USD 619,800 to USD 1,963,000, and the franchise fee is set at USD 40,000. Ongoing obligations include royalties typically set at 5–6 percent of gross sales and a marketing contribution of 2–4 percent.

New franchisees receive operational and strategic support beginning with extensive initial training, followed by assistance with real estate selection, design, and store build-out. Further support is provided during pre-opening planning, opening execution, and post-launch operations.

Revenue potential varies by market, with publicly available data indicating average unit volumes of around USD 1,000,000 annually. Standard cost structures suggest the possibility of achieving sustainable margins, depending on location and operational performance. Franchisees are responsible for overseeing store development, daily restaurant operations, staff management, marketing execution, financial oversight, and adherence to brand standards.

Future plans include continued international expansion driven by multi-unit development agreements and strategic partnerships. The European rollout, supported by established regional operators, forms a core part of the company’s long-term growth vision.