Experienced Multi-Unit Operators Sign Agreement with Fan-Favorite Nashville Hot Chicken Concept for Florida Locations
TAMPA, Fla. — Dave’s Hot Chicken, the Los Angeles-based street food sensation turned breakthrough fast-casual brand, announced today it has inked a franchise agreement with Ian and Adam Lieberman to open eight locations throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Specifically, they will focus on bringing locations to Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk Counties.
“Florida has several markets that are key to our growth efforts. It was important that as we make our entrance into the state, we were aligned with savvy operators like Ian and Adam who know the area well,” said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “Their ties to the Tampa Bay Area will be very beneficial as we introduce Dave’s Hot Chicken to the local communities.”
The Dave’s Hot Chicken model works well in a variety of floor plans. The team is seeking 2,000 to 3,000 square feet endcaps and freestanding locations, with a focus on units with drive-thru infrastructure on most units to be developed. Real estate developers should contact Ian Lieberman at 813.335.9634 to review available space.
“Dave’s Hot Chicken checks all the boxes for what we’re looking for in a restaurant concept: a simple menu, delicious food and an impressive team backing the brand,” said Ian Lieberman. “There’s not many Nashville hot chicken concepts here in Florida, so I expect there to be a lot of fanfare with Dave’s Hot Chicken coming to the Tampa Bay Area. I look forward to introducing this delicious and cravable food to the people in our home markets.”
The Liebermans bring extensive restaurant operational experience with them to Dave’s Hot Chicken. They are involved with Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, owning several locations throughout Tampa Bay and Lakeland. Additionally, their group has been involved in real estate development, product distribution, and consulting in the restaurant industry.
“With Fuzzy’s we’ve been able to foster deep relationships in our communities through giveback efforts and simply showing up for those in need,” continued Lieberman. “Adam and I look forward to continuing to serve our communities and deepen those connections with our Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants.”
Founded by classically-trained chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends in early 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up, with lines quickly wrapping around the block. Since then, the brand has exploded in popularity and now has 21 locations in the United States and Canada. Today, the fast-casual brand has its sights set on growing throughout the United States and currently has more than 400 units committed since announcing the franchise initiative in 2019.
Specializing in hot chicken tenders and sliders, with spice levels ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper,” each restaurant also serves sides of house-made Kale Slaw, creamy Mac & Cheese and crispy Fries or Cheese Fries.
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a robust business model, including national and local marketing support, proven systems, manuals and operating procedures, as well as assistance with site selection. As the brand expands, it is seeking qualified, experienced, and passionate restaurant operators and franchise groups to develop the concept in key markets.
To learn more about Dave’s Hot Chicken and its franchise opportunities, visit www.daveshotchicken.com/franchising.
About Dave’s Hot Chicken
In a modern-day American dream story, Arman Oganesyan and best friend Chef Dave Kopushyan, along with brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan, launched Dave’s Hot Chicken in a parking lot pop-up in 2017. Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly took off, opening its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in East Hollywood. In 2019, the team struck a deal with Wetzel’s Pretzels co-founder and former CEO, Bill Phelps, and movie producer John Davis to begin franchising the Dave’s Hot Chicken concept throughout the U.S. and beyond. The company has sold the rights to over 400 franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada and will open an additional 30 to 40 locations this year. In 2021, Dave’s Hot Chicken was listed as one of the Top 10 hottest brands by Fast Casual on its annual list of industry Movers & Shakers. Harkening back to an Eater LA blog that helped propel early interest in the brand, the company’s mission is to “blow their minds.” Additional brand investors include former California First Lady Maria Shriver, Red Sox owner Tom Werner, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and Good Morning America anchor and retired NFL player Michael Strahan.