Azzurri to bring Dave’s Hot Chicken to UK

Dave’s Hot Chicken, which specialises in hand-breaded chicken that’s spiced to order and counts actor Samuel L. Jackson and singer Usher among its backers, will debut in the capital in Q1 of 2025.

The brand was founded by childhood friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan and Tommy Rubenyan in 2017 as a pop up in LA and went on to open its first bricks and mortar site in East Hollywood the same year.

With more than 200 restaurants now open, the company has sold the rights to over 700 franchise locations in the US, Middle East and Canada and will open 90+ outposts this year.  

“We know there is an opportunity to make Dave’s Hot Chicken one of the iconic restaurant brands, and we do that by partnering with incredible operators, like Azzurri Group,” says Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken.

Dave’s Hot Chicken’s menu features jumbo hot chicken sliders, tenders and bites, along with sides of house-made kale slaw, mac and cheese, and seasoned French fries.

Seven spice levels are offered ranging from No Spice to Reaper, the latter of which requires a signed waiver from those who order it.

“When we first tried Dave’s Hot Chicken we were blown away as it makes some of the most craveable and delicious food we’ve ever had” says Steve Holmes, CEO of Azzurri Group.

“We’re excited to bring this incredible brand to the UK and to be their partner in this ambitious roll-out.”

Azzurri’s current portfolio encompasses Italian casual dining chains Zizzi and ASK Italian; QSR pasta brand Coco di Mama; and fast casual Mexican concept Boojum. It employs nearly 6,000 people, serving more than 15 million meals annually across its estate of more than 230 restaurants.