US-based restaurant brand Dave’s Hot Chicken has entered a partnership with the Azzurri Group to launch 60 new restaurants across the UK and Ireland.
The first location is expected to open in London by the first quarter of 2025.
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This expansion marks a significant step for the restaurant brand, which began franchising in an East Hollywood car park in 2017 and has since grown to more than 200 locations.
The brand’s growth was propelled in 2019 when it began franchising, following a deal with Wetzel’s Pretzels co-founder Bill Phelps and investments from celebrities such as Samuel L Jackson, Drake and Usher.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has sold rights to 700 franchise locations in the US, Canada and the Middle East, with plans to open more than 90 locations in 2024.
The restaurant is known for its Hot Chicken Sliders, tenders and bites, available in seven spice levels from “No Spice” to “Reaper”, along with Kale Slaw, Mac & Cheese and French Fries.
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By GlobalDataDave’s Hot Chicken also recently introduced a plant-based option, Dave’s NOT Chicken, featuring Cauliflower Sliders and Bites.
Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Bill Phelps said: “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. The flavour of Dave’s Hot Chicken resonates across borders, and we’re looking forward to the first UK store getting open soon.”
Azzurri Group CEO Steve Holmes added: “When we first tried Dave’s Hot Chicken we were blown away as it makes some of the most craveable and delicious food we have ever had. We are excited to bring this incredible brand to the UK and to be their partner in this ambitious roll-out.”
Azzurri Group, known for operating Zizzi and ASK Italian, has extensive experience in the hospitality sector, with 6,000 employees and 15 million meals served annually.
It also operates Coco di Mama and Boojum, an Irish fast-casual Mexican brand acquired by Azzurri in June 2023.
