The Humble Beginnings of Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken has become a sensation, with its crave-worthy spicy fried chicken enjoyed by legions of fans across the country. But how did this powerhouse brand get its start? Like many great American success stories, Dave’s Hot Chicken began humbly – with three childhood friends, a parking lot, and a dream.

In 2017, Armando De La Torre Jr. teamed up with his buddy Dave Kopushyan, a trained chef, to launch a new culinary venture right in East Hollywood. With just $900 and a portable fryer, they set up shop in a parking lot next to a local dive bar. Their menu? Nashville-style hot chicken, inspired by Dave’s family recipe.

That first night, they served about 140 people. Word spread like wildfire on social media about this delicious new hot chicken pop-up. The next night, the line was wrapped around the block. An influential food blogger even declared it “mind-blowing.” It was clear Dave’s Hot Chicken was onto something big.

Soon, a third friend joined the team, bringing some business acumen. In 2018, they opened up their first bricks-and-mortar restaurant in East Hollywood. Customers kept flocking for the juicy, spicy, crispy-on-the-outside tenders. The addictive flavors were like nothing else in LA at the time.

Dave’s began expanding quickly throughout California, bringing Nashville heat to the West Coast. Their signature styles also gained fame, with spice levels like “Reaper” for the truly brave and “No Spice” for the timid. Before long, they took the leap into new states.

Today, Dave’s Hot Chicken has over 30 locations across the United States and nearly 1,900 employees. You can find outposts everywhere from Dallas to Chicago. Yet despite this incredible growth, they stay true to their roots, still whipping up made-to-order chicken fresh daily.

Dave’s founders credit much of their success to social media and word of mouth. Early fans couldn’t resist sharing photos of the mouth-watering chicken online. This viral attention was the ultimate marketing for a new brand. It kickstarted the hype and hunger for Dave’s that still hasn’t died down.

Of course, the most important factor is Dave’s never-changing dedication to quality. Their chicken is always hand-breaded to order using thoughtful, high-end ingredients. Customer service remains paramount, aiming to “wow” guests. This commitment shines through in every tender.

For Armando, Dave, and their team, the parking lot pop-up will always be part of their origin story. It serves as a reminder that vision and persistence can turn an underdog into a champion. Now, they look ahead to bringing Nashville spice to even more communities, staying grounded in their roots

Dave’s meteoric rise is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. It proves that you don’t need a huge budget or years of experience to launch something great. You need passion, grit and a stand-out product that keeps fans coming back. Dave’s Hot Chicken checks every one of those boxes.

Here are some of the key milestones and facts behind this incredible hot chicken success story

• Founded in 2017 by childhood friends Armando De La Torre Jr. and chef Dave Kopushyan in East Hollywood, Los Angeles

• First location was a parking lot pop-up serving hot chicken tenders and sliders

• Quickly earned local buzz and lines around the block thanks to Dave’s family hot chicken recipe

• Expanded into their first official restaurant in 2018 in East Hollywood

• Early fanbase spread via word-of-mouth and Instagram

• Now has over 30 locations in the U.S., including California, Texas, Arizona, and more

• Employs nearly 1,900 people as of 2022

• Serves bone-in chicken, tenders, sliders, salads and sides like mac and cheese

• Signature spice levels range from no heat to the fiery “Reaper”

• Stays true to handmade, fresh-cooked food and quality ingredients

• Plans to continue expanding in new markets across the U.S.

• Still honors their humble parking lot beginnings as key to their success

• Social media buzz and loyal customers fueled rapid growth for the brand

• Commitment to customer service and experience is central to their values

The story of Dave’s Hot Chicken is one of passion, persistence, and finger lickin’ good food. It’s a testament to always remembering your roots as you grow and scale new heights. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that anyone with grit and a great idea can achieve their wildest dreams, even starting in a parking lot. Dave’s founders followed their hearts and now we all reap the spicy rewards.