What started as a parking lot pop-up in early 2017, has blossomed into an insanely popular fast-casual food sensation that is now expanding their Canadian presence with a second Dave's Hot Chicken Toronto location, opening in Midtown yesterday at Yonge Street and Davisville Avenue.
As a self-described “spice freak”, Chef Dave Kopushyan fell in love with the flavour profile of Nashville hot chicken, and made it his mission to bring his delicious recipe to Los Angeles, where he built his first brick & mortar location. His mouthwatering sliders and juicy chicken tenders took off and Chef Kopushyan received investment backing by a number of celebrity investors (including former California First Lady Maria Shriver, movie producer John Davis, Red Sox owner Tom Werner, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and Good Morning America anchor and retired NFL player, Michael Strahan).
Dave’s Hot Chicken is continuing on the path to open more than 30 new locations across Canada as well, and the new outpost marks their second in the country.
“We are beyond thrilled with the support we have received thus far at our Parkdale location and we are excited and grateful to be opening our second,” said Blair Bitove, Director of Business Development of Obelysk Inc., the Canadian operator of the brand. “With Yonge and Davisville being one of the major intersections in Toronto, this has always been a location we had hoped to be in.”
The new Toronto spot is situated right in the transit hub of the city, providing inspiration for the location's notable subway theme. The vibrant space is decked out with colourful murals, an automatic airport style marquee to display orders, and an array of fluorescent neon lighting in the shape of a subway system.
The centrality of this new location makes it the ideal hotspot for local residents and the large surrounding working community. They have also set up a large patio space, offering outdoor seating for the rest of the season, with the hopes of welcoming guests to enjoy their chicken indoors once restrictions allow.
Those familiar with the menu will see the return of their famous tender and slider combos, with the option to choose your spice level for each item, ranging from no spice, to "lite" mild, medium and all the way up to "reaper." Exclusive to their Canadian locations, they will also be adding a poutine to the menu, that features their perfectly spiced crinkle cut fries, transporting your taste buds from up North to down South, after just one bite. If you’re in the mood for a beer, they will be offering selections from Left Field Brewery, exclusive to the Midtown location.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is situated at 2066 Yonge Street between Lola and Manor Roads. They will be open for takeout, delivery and dine-in (on the patio) from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information on future openings, be sure to follow Dave’s Hot Chicken on Instagram.
