Dave's Hot Chicken Inks Deal For 6 Twin Cities Area Locations

MINNEAPOLIS, MN —A California-based chain of Nashville hot chicken restaurants announced Monday that it plans to open six locations in the Twin Cities area.

Dave's Hot Chicken said it has signed a franchise agreement with restaurant operator Michael McGuire to open restaurants in Apple Valley, Rosemount, Edina, Bloomington and Lakeville.

The restaurant specializes in chicken tenders and sliders, with spice levels from "No Spice" to "Reaper," and also serves house-made Kale Slaw, creamy Mac & Cheese and crispy fries.

"After trying the craveable product that Dave's Hot Chicken has to offer, I knew I needed to do what it takes to bring the restaurant to this area of Minnesota," said McGuire, who will be operating the restaurants with his son Kavrin. "I am eager to grow Dave's Hot Chicken in the surrounding area around the Twin Cities."

According to a press release, McGuire has 34 years of experience in the quick-service restaurant sector, including owning brands like: Jersey Mike's, Little Caesars, Krispy Kreme and Dominos Pizza.

"I'm excited to continue expanding our footprint across Minnesota with someone as experienced in multi-unit operations like (McGuire)," said Shannon Swenson, vice president of franchise development at Dave's Hot Chicken. "He stands out as a trusted franchisee with strong ties to the area, and I have no doubt he will be successful in this endeavor."

On its website, Dave's Hot Chicken lists 62 locations currently operating in the U.S. and Canada, with two more locations scheduled to open this month.

In April, Fast Casual.com reported that Dave's Hot Chicken has sold the rights to over 599 franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada and that it planned to open an additional 75 locations in 2022.

Also last month, former NBA and University of Minnesota basketball player Kris Humphries and three of his family members reportedly signed a deal to open 10 Dave's Hot Chicken locations in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, including in Carver, Washington, Hennepin and Ramsey counties, as well as Minnetonka and North Loop, according to Franchising.com.

Dave's Hot Chicken, according to its website, was created in East Hollywood, California in 2017 by four best friends, including classically-trained chef Arman Oganesyan.

Dave's initially opened as a parking lot pop-up. But after a local publication wrote about the food under the headline: "East Hollywood's Late Night Chicken Stand Might Blow Your Mind," lines quickly stretched around the block.