Popular Chicken Spot Plans Expansion In 3 VA Cities

VIRGINIA — Dave's Hot Chicken plans to open 3 new Virginia restaurants by the end of the year, bringing its beloved menu of spicy specialties to more eager diners.

The quickly expanding fried chicken chain started in 2017 as a small street food cart in an East Hollywood parking lot. It has since ballooned into an international operation with 200 restaurants in six countries.

Named America's fastest-growing restaurant chain last year, the company has attracted an array of celebrity investors, including superstar rapper Drake, who bought a sizeable stake in 2021. In March, the singer Usher announced a deal to open several locations across Atlanta.

Dave's made its mark with a simple menu of Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, fries and mac and cheese, earning it a vocal following — particularly among heat-seekers. While all of its fried chicken is available on a scale of milder variations, the chain's most infamous offering is seasoned with the Carolina Reaper pepper and requires diners to sign a waiver.

Newer additions include the "Dave's NOT Chicken" menu, offering plant-based sliders and bites made from cauliflower.

Here's where the new Virginia restaurants are opening this year:

• Franconia, in June
• Chesapeake, in September
• Fairfax, slated for sometime between October and December

The eatery currently only has one location open in Virginia, in Vienna.