American fast food franchise Dave's Hot Chicken Kitchen has formed a strategic partnership with QSR Automations, a provider of kitchen automation and guest management solutions.
The alliance will see the implementation of QSR Automations' ConnectSmart Kitchen technology across Dave's Hot Chicken's expanding portfolio.
With a 100% sales growth recorded in 2023, Dave's Hot Chicken is on track to reach 275 operational units by the end of 2024.
The fast food chain plans to establish 1,000 new locations across the globe.
QSR Automations' technology will be crucial for maintaining brand consistency, enhancing food quality, boosting productivity and improving guest experience as Dave's Hot Chicken expands.
ConnectSmart Kitchen is being implemented to streamline operations with delivery service partners, a key component of the current restaurant landscape.
QSR Automations CEO Angela Leet said: “Partnering with Dave’s Hot Chicken during this exciting phase of their expansion gives us an incredible opportunity to demonstrate the full capabilities of our ConnectSmart Kitchen solutions.
“Our technology is specifically engineered to support fast-growing chains like Dave’s Hot Chicken in preserving their high standards of quality and service while scaling swiftly. We are confident that our innovation will play a pivotal role in their ongoing success.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken chief technology officer Leon Davoyan said: “As we continue our ambitious growth trajectory, we must have the right technology in place to support our operations.
“QSR Automations offers the scalability and reliability we need to maintain our brand’s high standards across hundreds of locations. This partnership will be instrumental in helping us achieve our expansion goals while ensuring consistent, high-quality experiences for our guests.”
Founded in 2017 by Chef Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan and Tommy Rubenyan, Dave’s Hot Chicken began with $900, operating from a parking lot with portable fryers and folding tables.
In 2019, they partnered with Wetzel's Pretzels co-founder and former CEO, Bill Phelps, to begin franchising, attracting investment from Drake, Billboard's Artist of the Decade.
The company has since sold rights to more than 700 franchise locations in the US, Canada and the Middle East, and is set to open more than 90 locations in 2024.
