The US chain, which specialises in hand-breaded chicken that’s spiced to order and counts actor Samuel L. Jackson and singer Usher among its backers, is set to make its London debut next month on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Rupert Street under a partnership with Azzurri Group.
Dave’s Hot Chicken 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.
It now boasts more than 200 sites across America, as well as locations in Canada and the Middle East.
In the US, the group’s menu features seven spice levels ranging from No Spice to Reaper, the latter of which requires a signed waiver from those who order it.
However, it is yet to be confirmed whether the Reaper mix will make its way to this side of the Atlantic after it was tested on a handful of UK diners and apparently left some ‘in tears’ and one ‘running out after just one bite’.
“After conducting taste tests here in the UK, we found the Reaper to be so hot that it left participants crying from the sheer heat of the spice mix,” says Jim Attwood, managing director of Dave’s Hot Chicken UK.
“We are still in discussions as to whether the Reaper will make it onto UK plates. Of course, if the nation truly wants to test the hottest chicken in the world, we could be convinced.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken’s UK menu will feature jumbo hot chicken sliders and tenders, along with sides of house-made kale slaw, mac and cheese, and seasoned French fries.
There will be six spice levels available, ranging from No Spice to Extra Hot.
“We’ve worked tirelessly with our UK team to deliver the bold flavours and tongue-tingling spice that have made us a cult sensation here in the USA,” says Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken.
“And we’re not just bringing the heat – we’re bringing the full Dave’s experience over for Brits.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken has said it is aiming to open 60 sites under the brand across the UK & Ireland in the coming years.
The group’s first London outpost will open on Saturday 7 December.