About Dave's Hot Chicken

The story behind United States' most beloved dave's hot chicken experience — passion, heat, and community from day one.

Dave's hot chicken restaurant interior — the birthplace of our bold hot chicken
2017 Est. Year

Our Story

Where It All Began —
daves hot chicken

Dave's hot chicken was born in a humble East Hollywood parking lot in 2017, where founder Dave Kopushyan, a formally trained chef, began crafting the most intensely flavorful Nashville-style chicken the world had ever tasted. What started as a pop-up experiment quickly became a phenomenon that swept across the United States.

Armed with a family recipe refined over years of culinary study and a passion for bold, unapologetic flavors, Dave perfected seven distinct heat levels — from "No Spice" all the way to the legendary "Reaper." Each piece of chicken is hand-seasoned, made to order, and served with care that reflects our deep respect for real food.

"I wanted to create something that people would talk about, something that became part of their story. Hot chicken isn't just food — it's an experience, a community, a ritual."

— Dave Kopushyan, Founder & Executive Chef

Today, Dave's hot chicken has grown into a celebrated brand across United States, but our soul remains the same: hand-crafted heat, bold flavors, and a whole lot of love in every bite.

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7+ Heat Levels
50+ Locations
1M+ Happy Customers
2017 Founded

Why We Exist

Our Mission & Promise

At Dave's hot chicken, our mission is simple: deliver the boldest, most craveable chicken in the United States — crafted with integrity, served with passion.

Bold Flavors

We never compromise on heat or taste. Every recipe is crafted to deliver an unforgettable bite that keeps you coming back for more.

Fresh Ingredients

We source quality chicken and fresh produce daily. No shortcuts, no frozen compromises — just real food made the right way.

Community First

From our kitchen to your table, we believe food builds community. We're proud to serve every neighborhood we call home.

Consistent Quality

Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, every order meets the same exacting standard. That's our promise to you.

Dave hot chicken being freshly prepared in our kitchen

What Drives Us

The Values Behind
daves chicken

At daves chicken, every decision we make — from ingredient sourcing to how we train our team — is guided by a set of core values that define who we are.

Passion for Craft

We treat every piece of chicken like a work of art. Our team takes pride in the process, from marination to the perfect crust.

Respect for Customers

You deserve real food, real service, and a real experience. We listen, we learn, and we continuously improve for you.

Sustainable Practices

We're committed to responsible sourcing and reducing our environmental footprint — because great food and a healthy planet go hand in hand.

Innovation & Bold Thinking

We push boundaries with new flavors, limited-time creations, and menu innovations that keep our community excited and surprised.

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Our Journey

From Parking Lot to
National Phenomenon

Every milestone that shaped Dave's hot chicken into what it is today.

2017

The Parking Lot Pop-Up

Dave Kopushyan and three friends launched Dave's hot chicken as a pop-up in an East Hollywood parking lot. Armed with a fryer, a folding table, and seven heat levels, they attracted lines stretching around the block within weeks.

2018

First Brick-and-Mortar Location

The overnight success translated into our first permanent restaurant in East Hollywood. The intimate space sold out daily, with customers traveling from across California for the legendary Reaper-level chicken.

2019

Celebrity Buzz & National Media

Dave's hot chicken caught the attention of celebrities and major food media outlets. Coverage in national publications and social media virality catapulted the brand into national consciousness, drawing investors and franchise interest.

2021

Franchise Expansion Begins

With a proven model and passionate following, Dave's hot chicken launched its franchise program. Locations began opening across the United States, bringing Nashville-inspired heat to new communities and neighborhoods nationwide.

2023

50+ Locations Milestone

Crossing 50 locations across the United States, Dave's hot chicken celebrated its growth while doubling down on quality and community engagement. New menu items and limited seasonal specials kept fans coming back all year.

Today

Still Spicy. Still Growing.

Dave's hot chicken continues to expand, innovate, and serve heat-seekers everywhere. Our Las Vegas flagship at 3623 Las Vegas Blvd S is now one of our busiest and most beloved locations — and we're just getting started.

The People Behind the Heat

Meet Our Team

Passionate, dedicated, and obsessed with flavor — meet the faces who bring Dave's hot chicken to life every single day.

Dave Kopushyan — Founder and Executive Chef of Dave's hot chicken

Dave Kopushyan

Founder & Executive Chef

A formally trained chef with a vision for bold heat, Dave turned a parking lot dream into a national sensation. He personally oversees every recipe and heat level.

Maria Santos — Head of Operations at Dave's hot chicken

Maria Santos

Head of Operations

With 15 years in fast-casual dining, Maria ensures that every location delivers the same quality, consistency, and warmth that customers expect from Dave's hot chicken.

James Mitchell — Head Chef at Dave's hot chicken Las Vegas

James Mitchell

Head Chef, Las Vegas

James brings a decade of culinary expertise to our Las Vegas flagship. His dedication to the craft means every order that leaves our kitchen is nothing short of perfect.

Priya Nair — Brand & Community Manager at Dave's hot chicken

Priya Nair

Brand & Community Manager

Priya is the voice and energy behind our social channels and community events. She connects our passion for hot chicken with the communities we serve across the US.

Passionate about food and hospitality? We're always looking for great people.

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Ready to Taste the Legend?

Experience Dave's Hot Chicken
for Yourself

Now that you know our story, it's time to taste it. Order now and discover why dave's hot chicken has captured the hearts — and taste buds — of millions across the United States.

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3623 Las Vegas Blvd S Suite 212, Las Vegas, NV 89109    +1 725-229-7300