Azzurri Group to open 60 Dave's Hot Chicken locations

A leading UK restaurant operator is adding chicken to its fast-casual category portfolio, having signed an agreement to open 60 locations across the UK and Ireland. 

Dave's Hot Chicken, the late-night pop-up turned hot chicken sensation, has teamed up with Zizzi and ASK Italian operator Azzurri Group to grow the brand's UK footprint. The first branch is slated to open in London by Q1 2025. 

"When we first tried Dave's Hot Chicken we were blown away, as it makes some of the most craveable and delicious food we've ever had," says Azzuri CEO, Steve Holmes. "We're excited to bring this incredible brand to the UK and be their partner in this ambitious rollout."

A social media sensation

Dave's Hot Chicken is one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the US. It quickly became a social media sensation, securing 2.4 million TikTok followers and 1.2 million followers on Instagram.

The brand has broad consumer appeal, with its core consumer base being Gen Z and Millennial males. It specialises in jumbo Hot Chicken Sliders, Tenders and Bites, along with sides of house-made Kale Slaw, Mac & Cheese and crispy, seasoned French Fries. Offered at seven spice levels ranging from No Spice to Reaper™ (which requires a signed waiver for those who dare), each piece of hand-breaded chicken is spiced-to-order. 

This year, Dave's Hot Chicken introduced Dave's NOT Chicken – the company's plant-based alternative, featuring crispy Cauliflower Sliders and Cauliflower Bites.

Each store pops with colour and energy, with exclusively designed LA-based street art reflecting the connection with the parking lot where the brand originated in 2017. 

"We know there is an opportunity to make Dave's Hot Chicken one of the iconic restaurant brands, and we do that by partnering with incredible operators, like Azzurri Group," notes Bill Phelps, brand CEO. "The flavour of Dave's Hot Chicken resonates across borders, and we're looking forward to the first UK store getting open soon."

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