Dave’s Hot Chicken reaches 250 outlet milestone with UK debut, to open 60 more outlets

UK – Fast casual restaurant chain Dave’s Hot Chicken has opened its first UK outlet in London, marking the first of 60 planned outlets in the UK and Ireland, the chain’s 250th outlet overall.

The new outlet is located at 40 Shaftesbury Avenue, strategically located near Piccadilly Circus.

The two-story restaurant, which accommodates 90 diners, opened its doors on Saturday, December 7, at noon.

Highlighting its origins, the outlet features striking street art that pays tribute to the East Hollywood parking lot where the brand started in 2017, while also drawing inspiration from its vibrant London surroundings.

The new location is managed by the Azzurri Group, a prominent restaurant operator with a portfolio of over 230 establishments across various brands in the U.K. and Ireland.

Jim Attwood, Managing Director of Mind Blowing Chicken Ltd, a subsidiary of Azzurri Group overseeing Dave’s Hot Chicken in London said, “We’re proud to bring Dave’s Hot Chicken to London and introduce this bold, spicy brand to the U.K.”

“Londoners will be thrilled to experience the signature heat and unique flavors that have made Dave’s a phenomenon in the U.S. We can’t wait for them to discover what makes it so special.”

Dave’s Hot Chicken has experienced rapid expansion in recent years. The brand grew from just two locations in early 2020 to 118 by March 2023 and now boasts 250 outlets, with around 80 opening during 2024.

The U.K. and Ireland have become key targets for American chicken brands expanding internationally. Chick-fil-A has committed US$100 million to establish itself in the region, while KFC is set to acquire 218 of its franchised outlets to bolster its corporate portfolio in the British Isles.

Dave’s is the latest contender aiming to capture this lucrative market with its distinct offerings.

The London flagship store reflects Dave’s focus on bold branding and unique dining experiences. Attwood expressed confidence that the brand’s strong identity and innovative flavors would resonate with U.K. customers.

To sustain its growth, Dave’s introduced new initiatives such as cauliflower sliders and chicken bites, added to its menu in January and June 2024, respectively.

Additionally, in its California home market, the brand has piloted self-serve kiosks to adapt to the state’s US$20 minimum wage law for fast food workers. Dave’s plans to maintain its ambitious expansion pace into 2025.

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