Where is Dave’s Hot Chicken Based? An Inside Look at the Origins of This Spicy Sensation

Dave’s Hot Chicken has taken the fast food world by storm in recent years. Their Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders pack some serious heat and keep fans coming back for more. With hundreds of locations across the country, it’s clear that Dave’s Hot Chicken is growing at a rapid pace. But where did this spicy chicken sensation originate?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the roots of Dave’s Hot Chicken We’ll explore where the very first restaurant was opened, how the founders came up with their recipes, and where the company is headquartered today as they continue expanding.

Humble Beginnings on the Streets of Hollywood

The very first Dave’s Hot Chicken location opened its doors in May 2017 in East Hollywood, Los Angeles by four childhood friends – Dave Kopushyan, Tommy Rubenyan, Gary Rubenyan, and Arman Oganesyan. With just $900 in capital and a portable fryer, they set up shop in a parking lot and started serving hot chicken to the late night crowd.

Despite the humble surroundings, word quickly spread about the mouth-watering spicy chicken coming from this little parking lot stand. Lines stretched down the block as more and more people flocked to get a taste Within months, the pop-up stand had developed a cult following

But the founders had bigger dreams for Dave’s Hot Chicken. The runaway success of their parking lot operation showed the potential for a real restaurant business.

Finding Their First Brick and Mortar Home

By late 2018, the Dave’s Hot Chicken food stand was closed for good as the founders looked towards opening their first permanent location. They found the perfect spot in a strip mall on Western Ave, still in East Hollywood.

While the original parking lot operation had been bare bones, the new Western Ave location was outfitted with stylish street art murals on the walls, paying homage to the brand’s LA roots. The signature style established at this first brick and mortar location would go on to become a key branding element for Dave’s Hot Chicken as they expanded.

The full restaurant allowed Dave’s Hot Chicken to expand the menu beyond the original parking lot operation’s sole offering of chicken tenders. Sliders, wings, and side dishes like fries and mac & cheese were added to give customers a complete meal experience.

Expanding Across California with Eyes on National Growth

Within another year, Dave’s Hot Chicken had opened 2 more Los Angeles locations in North Hollywood and Koreatown. Their early success in LA provided proof of concept for the founders’ vision to take Nashville hot chicken mainstream.

In late 2019, the founders brought on former Wetzel’s Pretzels CEO Bill Phelps as an investor and partner to spearhead their national expansion efforts. Phelps’ experience guiding Wetzel’s from a small Southern California chain to national prominence made him the perfect fit to lead Dave’s Hot Chicken’s growth.

With Phelps at the helm, Dave’s Hot Chicken set an ambitious goal to open 300 locations across the US and Canada over the coming years. The company began accelerating expansion in 2020 and 2021, moving into new markets like San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, Las Vegas, and Denver.

Today, just 5 years after getting its start in a parking lot in LA, Dave’s Hot Chicken has over 100 locations open with many more in development across 16 states. But it’s still just the beginning of their journey to becoming a national hot chicken powerhouse.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Calls Pasadena, California Home

While Dave’s Hot Chicken got its start in LA’s East Hollywood neighborhood, the company headquarters moved to Pasadena, California as expansion took off.

As the core leadership team grew beyond just the founders to include franchise executives like CEO Bill Phelps, Pasadena offered central access to LA while providing cheaper real estate costs.

The company now runs operations, marketing, franchise support, and other corporate functions out of offices in Pasadena. So while East Hollywood will always be the spiritual birthplace of Dave’s Hot Chicken, Pasadena serves as their current center of nationwide operations.

From $900 to $1 Billion – The Dave’s Hot Chicken Story

Dave’s Hot Chicken has one of the most remarkable origin stories in the restaurant industry. Their journey from four friends with a portable fryer in a parking lot to a category-leading brand worth $1 billion is the stuff start-up dreams are made of.

The company’s acquisition by private equity firm Roark Capital in June 2025 put their incredible growth and future potential in the spotlight. Roark’s $1 billion investment will provide the rocket fuel for Dave’s Hot Chicken’s next stage of growth.

But throughout the company’s exponential growth, the foundation has remained the same – incredibly tasty Nashville hot chicken crafted with care. Dave, Arman, Tommy, Gary, and Bill built something special by sticking to what they do best while dreaming big.

Taking the Heat Worldwide

Dave’s Hot Chicken built its name by being LA’s favorite hot chicken shop. But in recent years, they’ve begun taking the spice worldwide.

International expansion started slowly with their first Canadian restaurant opening in Toronto in 2021. But the brand has since taken off globally, propelled by partnerships with large restaurant groups.

In 2022, Dave’s Hot Chicken landed in the Middle East, opening locations in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The UK will join the roster next with plans for 60 restaurants.

But this is likely only the beginning of Dave’s Hot Chicken’s global growth. With their addictive flavors and universal appeal, Dave’s Hot Chicken is poised to become a worldwide hot chicken juggernaut.

So Where is Dave’s Hot Chicken Based?

To summarize, Dave’s Hot Chicken is based in Los Angeles, California.

The iconic brand traces its roots back to a parking lot in LA’s East Hollywood neighborhood. Their first permanent location opened on Western Ave in East Hollywood in late 2018.

As the company expanded, headquarters moved to Pasadena, California, which today serves as the center of nationwide operations and franchise support.

But the brand identity and flavor profile that launched in Hollywood still remain at the core of Dave’s Hot Chicken. No matter how big they get, LA will always be this hot chicken empire’s one true home.

So if you find yourself in Los Angeles craving some fiery fried chicken, head to the Dave’s Hot Chicken on Western Ave and experience the location where it all began. The spicy, addictive flavors have only gotten better with time!