The mouthwatering Nashville hot chicken chain that has been taking Toronto by storm is gearing up to launch their third Canadian location in Toronto’s east end in early October.
For those unfamiliar with this ever-growing establishment, Dave’s Hot Chicken was founded by chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends who opened the first location in California as a parking lot pop-up in early 2017.
With several celebrity backers, including First Lady Maria Shriver, movie producer John David, Red Sox owner Tom Werner, actor Samuel L. Jackson and retired NFL player Michael Strachan, the company has blown up. It now has over 200 locations across the United States.
As a self-described “spice freak,” Kopushyan fell in love with the flavour profile of Nashville hot chicken and has been bringing that experience to fellow spice lovers across North America. With two current locations in Toronto (Parkdale and Davisville), Blair Bitove, Director of Business Development at Obelysk -- the Canadian operator of the brand -- says, “We are excited to open our doors in Leslieville, which is known for its family-friendly neighbourhood, and we look forward to building connections with local residents and vendors in the community.”
The new restaurant will be situated at the corner of Queen Street East and Bertmount Avenue and will offer seasonal outdoor seating on the largest patio space among its other Toronto outposts.
Guests can choose from a number of slider or tender combos with chicken spice levels ranging from no spice to reaper. Following suit with the other two locations, they will honour a long-standing Canadian tradition with the addition of Dave’s Poutine on the menu, a new take on a classic with crinkle fries, cheese sauce, gravy, Dave’s Hot Chicken tenders, Dave’s Sauce and mild spice.
With plans to continue their expansion across Canada, be prepared to see the unveiling of many more Dave’s Hot Chicken locations in the months to come. The Leslieville location will sit at 1130 Queen Street East and will celebrate its grand opening on October 1, 2021.
For now, feel free to get your hands on some of their pure Nashville-inspired indulgences at one of their other two Toronto locations (open for dine-in, takeout and delivery), and keep your eyes peeled on their Instagram to keep up to date with their ever-developing Canadian expansion.
