I can recall a night back in 2017 when I was out visiting Los Angeles. A friend of mine lived there and knew the area quite well. He told me about this new hot chicken place we absolutely HAD to try. One small caveat, this so-called chicken joint was operating out of a parking lot. So obviously, I'm intrigued. One hour and a half drive later -- after sitting in bumper to bumper LA traffic -- we pull up to a nondescript East Hollywood lot. Plastic picnic benches, two large grills and deep tubs of fryer oil seem to be the set up. So we slowly make our way to the front, place our order and are told very nonchalant, that it will be two to three hours. I'm not usually one to wait an excruciatingly long time for food, but hey, it seemed to be all the rage in LA, so why not drink the Kool-Aid.
I will tell you now, it was most definitely, worth the wait.
Chef Dave and Tommy pictured working the line at their original Los Angeles parking lot location.
After starting from humble beginnings, Dave's Hot Chicken, the street-food sensation turned breakthrough fast-casual brand, announced today, that they will be expanding to Canada -- with a focus on Ontario and British Columbia.
The news comes after Obelysk Foods Ltd., led by John Bitove, founder of the NBA Toronto Raptors, acquired the franchise opportunity to open over 30 Canadian locations.
“This is a great product for Canadians who love flavourful food items. Dave’s Hot Chicken will resonate with our customers in many ways by providing a variety of options including walk up, delivery services and ultimately, in-restaurant seating when permitted,” said Blair Bitove.
The Noho Arts District brick-and-mortar location of Dave's Hot Chicken.
The brand has now expanded to several brick-and-mortar locations in Southern California, not to mention 100 units committed in less than six months of announcing their franchise initiative.
Dave's Hot Chicken was founded and spearheaded by Chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends as a parking lot pop-up back in 2017. Dave, a self-proclaimed "spice freak", had a love for Nashville hot chicken and wanted to share the flavours with local Angelenos.
Dave's Hot Chicken specializes in fried chicken tenders and sliders, doused in a fiery red oil of cayenne and other spices. The spice level ranges from no spice, all the way to what Dave dubs as "Reaper". Sides are also available at every location, from the likes of crinkle fries, cheese fries, kale slaw and creamy mac and cheese.
An official grand opening date has yet to be released, but Bitove has confirmed, "We will be opening at least one location in Toronto before the end of the year."
Watch out Chick-fil-A, there's a new kid coming to town.
