Dave’s Hot Chicken has opened at the White Oak Town Center and rapidly expanded nationwide with backing from celebrity investors such as Drake and Samuel L. Jackson.
Chris Weilminster, who manages a franchise group with more than twelve Five Guys locations in the area, leased just over 2,800 square feet at White Oak Town Center. The restaurant is near Starbucks and First Watch, which opened in October, and it is close to a long-rumored but yet-to-be-officially confirmed Amazon Fresh market.
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers large hot chicken tenders and sliders accompanied by house-made kale slaw, mac and cheese, and crispy seasoned fries. Customers can choose from seven spice levels, including Reaper, the hottest option that requires a signed waiver. Each chicken piece is spiced to order.
Dave’s Hot Chicken began as a pop-up outside a gas station in 2017 and quickly became popular, attracting long lines. Based in Pasadena, California, the chain operates over 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada, with around 950 more in development. Dave’s operates primarily under a franchise model, with its operators continuing to expand by adding more locations to their development agreements, according to Eat This, Not That.
The brand is entering a competitive market with regional chains like Roaming Rooster, which is building a new location in Downtown Silver Spring, and Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken, which opened in Wheaton in 2022.
Nash & Smash, known for its smash burgers and Nashville-style hot chicken, will also open at the Woodmoor Shopping Center in December.
“Dave’s Hot Chicken has one of the greatest origin stories in the restaurant business, with the founders starting Dave’s as a parking lot pop-up restaurant in Hollywood with a portable fryer, and picnic tables from their backyards,” CEO Bill Phelps said last year. “The company’s nearly unheard-of growth rate is a result of the founders’ vision for this brand, the tremendous leadership team we’ve assembled, and the incredible commitment of some of the most experienced franchisees in the restaurant industry.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken is located at 12255 Prosperity Drive and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.