Dave’s Hot Chicken, the wildly popular celebrity-backed chain that counts rapper Drake and actor Samuel L. Jackson as investors have opened in D.C. The chain opened its newest location in a historic Columbia Heights (3301 14th Street NW) building on Friday, March 3.
Since its debut in 2017 in L.A., customers have been swarming their different locations for a taste of Dave’s sliders topped with sweet kale slaw, crisp pickle chips, and star chicken. The brand received high praise from Eater LA, which wrote that Dave’s “might blow your mind.” It also caught the eyes of celebrity investors, such as Grammy Award-winning rapper Drake and badass mother—ker and Academy Award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson.
“I tried the food and it was amazing,” Drake said in a statement in 2021. “After meeting the founders and hearing their story, I jumped at the opportunity to invest.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken was founded in 2017 by friends Dave Kopushyan — a chef who trained in the organization of Thomas Keller (French Laundry) — Arman Oganesyan and Tommy and Gary Rubenyan as a simple hot chicken cart in an East Hollywood parking lot. Since then the popularity of the cart’s Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and seasoned curly fries grew rapidly as people lined up to grab the delicious crunchy foods.
The menu is simple, yet inviting. The chicken is the star of the brand. Expertly prepared to be the juiciest and most tender chicken imaginable, each piece is topped with Dave’s signature mix of spices ranging from No Spice to “The Reaper.”
D.C.’s Dave’s Hot Chicken serves the same menu as all the other locations. The chain’s menu includes four combo meals that feature chicken tenders or chicken sandwiches with fries, pickles, and ‘Dave’s Sauce.’ Spice options range from no spice to its hottest option, the “reaper.” Other side offerings include Cheese Fries or Mac and Cheese, plus drinks including milkshakes.
All the tenders are served with sliced bread, pickles, and a side of Dave’s sauce. Sliders are served on a hamburger bun with kale slaw, pickles, and Dave’s sauce. Cheese can also be added to each slider. The slider is also served on a hamburger bun with kale slaw, pickles, and Dave’s sauce.
Dave’s is known for its wacky interior artwork, and its 64-seat D.C. debut located at 3001 14th St NW, Washington DC stays on brand. Its flagship D.C. location is housed in a historic 1920s building that formerly housed a Z-Burger, and the team kept its dramatic Art Deco bones intact.
Kelly Jackson, president and owner of the local franchise says they are “thrilled to be bringing Dave’s to D.C.” and “have plans for several more in the area.” A Tysons corner location is under construction, and a deal for an Arlington location has also been confirmed.
Dave’s hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The team will focus on dine-in to begin with, with delivery opening up in the next few months.
Source: NewsBreak Original
