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LAST UPDATED: January 2025 FRANCHISE WEBSITE:<a href="https://www.daveshotchicken.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;https://www.daveshotchicken.com/franchising/</a> NUMBER OF LOCATIONS:&nbsp; 280+ REPORTED COST TO GET IN:&nbsp;$619,800 - $1,963,000&nbsp; REPORTED ROI (Item 19):&nbsp;N/A<a href="https://franchise.daveshotchicken.com/dhcfranchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dave’s Hot Chicken</a> is a fast-casual chicken concept that specializes in Nashville-style spicy and flavorful chicken. The restaurant features a simple menu consisting of four chicken combo meals that come in different spice levels, ranging from no spice to “The Reaper.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Dave’s Hot Chicken, headquartered in Pasadena, California, was first established as a pop-up stand in Los Angeles in 2017 by best friends <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kopushyan-01b323121/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dave Kopushyan</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-oganesyan-18b809244/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Arman Oganesyan</a> and Tommy and Gary Rubenyan, who came together with just $900 to set up a small food stand. The stand quickly gained popularity. Just one year later, an official Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurant was opened.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6XOxWxDP8o&amp;t=1s"><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><iframe src="//cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&amp;api_key=fd3b6b3731f34f55ba1fe3&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DE6XOxWxDP8o%26t%3D1s" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></figure>As a result of its offerings, Dave’s Hot Chicken has gained significant traction on social media and boasts nearly one million followers on Instagram.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwNtfGtOvlg/"><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><iframe src="//cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&amp;api_key=fd3b6b3731f34f55ba1fe3&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FCwNtfGtOvlg%2F" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></figure><h2>How Many Dave’s Hot Chicken Locations Are There?</h2>As of January 2025, there are more than 280 Dave’s Hot Chicken locations spanning four countries, including the United States, Canada, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.<h2>What Is Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Business Model?</h2>Dave’s Hot Chicken’s business model is solely focused on providing customers with high-quality chicken featuring bold and “crave-able flavors.” The brand’s menu features a variety of chicken tenders and sliders that come in seven different heat levels, as well as sides such as fries, mac and cheese, and kale slaw.As a fast-casual concept, Dave’s Hot Chicken’s dining model emphasizes convenience and speed, making it a popular choice for those seeking quick and flavorful meals. Guests can place their orders online or at their nearest location. The brand also has a proprietary app that provides users with “frequent fryer points,” allowing them to earn rewards for every dollar they spend.<h2>How Much Can Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchise Owners Make?</h2>According to the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for Dave’s Hot Chicken:“We do not make any financial performance representations about a franchisee’s future financial performance or the past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets.”<h2>How Much Does It Cost to Open a Dave’s Hot Chicken?</h2>The initial investment required to open a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise ranges from $619,800 to $1,963,000. The 2024 FDD breaks down these costs as follows:<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Type of Expenditure</td><td>Min</td><td>Max</td></tr><tr><td>Initial Franchise Fee</td><td>$40,000</td><td>$40,000</td></tr><tr><td>Architect/Engineer Fees</td><td>$14,000</td><td>$50,000</td></tr><tr><td>Business Licenses &amp; Permits</td><td>$1,000</td><td>$30,000</td></tr><tr><td>Construction, Remodeling &amp; Leasehold Improvements</td><td>$275,000</td><td>$875,000</td></tr><tr><td>Equipment</td><td>$110,000</td><td>$315,000</td></tr><tr><td>Furniture, Fixtures &amp; Decorations</td><td>$11,500</td><td>$100,000</td></tr><tr><td>Smallwares</td><td>$11,000</td><td>$18,000</td></tr><tr><td>Signage</td><td>$17,000</td><td>$110,000</td></tr><tr><td>Graffiti &amp; Artwork</td><td>$30,000</td><td>$70,000</td></tr><tr><td>Grand Opening Kit/Menu Boards</td><td>$12,500</td><td>$15,000</td></tr><tr><td>Drive-Thru, Loop Timers &amp; Signage</td><td>$0</td><td>$35,000</td></tr><tr><td>Computer Equipment &amp; Information/POS Systems</td><td>$13,500</td><td>$40,000</td></tr><tr><td>Office Supplies</td><td>$1,000</td><td>$3,000</td></tr><tr><td>Uniforms</td><td>$1,500</td><td>$5,000</td></tr><tr><td>Initial Inventory &amp; Supplies</td><td>$20,000</td><td>$50,000</td></tr><tr><td>Insurance Deposits</td><td>$1,500</td><td>$4,000</td></tr><tr><td>Liquor Licensing</td><td>$0</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Pre-Opening Rent</td><td>$5,000</td><td>$20,000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h2>What Is the Franchise Fee for Dave’s Hot Chicken?</h2>The initial franchise fee required to open a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise is $40,000. Interested candidates must also have at least $2.5 million in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $5 million.<h2>Who’s On Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Leadership Team?</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-phelps-a80a0452/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bill Phelps — CEO</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bitticks-cfe-0bb37515/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jim Bitticks — President and COO</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-haley-mba-b3186713a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brad Haley — Chief Marketing Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/leond/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Leon Davoyan — Chief Technology Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynecanady/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Carolyne Canady — Chief Development Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-lopez-cfe-466724180/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Juan Lopez — VP of Operations and Training</a></li></ul><h2>What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Dave’s Hot Chicken?</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/how-franchising-fueled-daves-hot-chicken-unit-growth/644712/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">How Dave’s Hot Chicken grew from 2 units to 118 in just 3 years</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/dave-s-hot-chicken-dominates-fast-casual-industry-2023-growth-momentum?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dave’s Hot Chicken dominates the fast-casual industry with 2023 growth momentum</a></li><li><a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/news/growth-igniting-at-daves-hot-chicken/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Growth igniting at Dave’s Hot Chicken</a></li><li><a href="https://www.franchising.com/news/20230830_daves_hot_chicken_continues_2023_growth.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dave’s Hot Chicken Continues 2023 Growth</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/dave-s-hot-chicken-passes-100-units-plots-steep-growth?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dave’s Hot Chicken passes 100 units, plots steep growth</a></li></ul>Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? 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Franchise Deep Dive: Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

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