May 08, 2026 // Franchising.com // NASHVILLE—Dave’s Hot Chicken is turning up the heat in Nashville. The new location will be situated at 1705 Gallatin Pike N, Madison, TN, approximately 13 miles from downtown Nashville, with an anticipated opening in October 2026. Additional restaurants are planned in Smyrna with an expected opening later in 2026.
The fast-casual concept, which originated in Los Angeles, is bringing its Nashville-style hot chicken to the category’s founding market, while continuing to expand its presence across Tennessee. As the brand enters the Middle Tennessee area, it aims to honor the roots of Nashville Hot Chicken while introducing its own bold flavor, chef-inspired, and fast-casual execution.
Longtime Dave’s Hot Chicken operators and brothers Jason and John Hotchkiss, alongside their brother-in-law, Paul Gorman, are leading the expansion of the group’s portfolio. The multi-generational group also includes Jason’s son, Ryan Hotchkiss, and their operating partner, Mike Van Slambrouck, who will support the new venture and oversee the operations of the new restaurants.
“This opportunity represents a major step forward for our family as we continue to build a multi-generational business together,” said Jason Hotchkiss. “What started as a new venture to grow with Dave’s Hot Chicken has evolved into something much bigger, establishing a lasting family legacy. We’re thrilled to expand into Nashville, and to bring the energy and culture of Dave’s Hot Chicken to the community.”
The group behind this expansion brings extensive experience in the franchise industry. In 2022, the Hotchkiss brothers and Paul Gorman signed an agreement to open eight locations throughout the San Antonio area. Now, the next generation is continuing to build on the family’s track record of scaling and managing multi-unit restaurant operations, with Ryan supporting the Nashville expansion.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has captured the hearts and taste buds of guests worldwide with it crave-worthy menu. Specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and bites with spice levels ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper,” each restaurant also serves sides of house-made Kale Slaw, creamy Mac & Cheese, and crispy, seasoned Fries or Cheese Fries.
“Expanding into the Nashville region with an experienced team is a vast milestone for us,” said Jim Bitticks, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “Jason, John, Paul, Ryan, and Mike bring a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for great food and customer service. Their ability to scale operations and build strong community connections makes them the perfect partners to introduce Dave’s Hot Chicken to these areas, and we can’t wait for new communities to experience our bold flavors and mind-blowing hot chicken.”
Founded by Arman Oganesyan and classically trained chef Dave Kopushyan, along with brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan in early 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up, with lines quickly wrapping around the block. Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a robust business model, including national and local marketing support, proven systems, manuals, operating procedures, and assistance with site selection. As the brand expands, it is seeking qualified, experienced, and passionate restaurant operators and franchise groups to develop the concept in key markets such as Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.
www.daveshotchicken.com/franchising.
In a modern-day American dream story, three childhood friends, Chef Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Tommy Rubenyan, scraped together $900 to launch Dave’s Hot Chicken in a parking lot, portable fryers and folding tables in tow, in 2017. Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly took off, opening an East Hollywood brick-and-mortar restaurant shortly after, with support from Tommy’s brother, Gary. In 2019, the team struck a deal with Wetzel’s Pretzels co-founder and former CEO, Bill Phelps, and movie producer John Davis to begin franchising the Dave’s Hot Chicken concept throughout the U.S. and beyond. The company has sold the rights to more than 1,216 franchise locations in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Canada, and will open 135-plus locations this year. Harkening back to an Eater LA blog that helped propel early interest in the brand, the company’s mission is to “blow their minds.” Additional brand investors include Billboard Artists Drake and Usher, former California First Lady Maria Shriver, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and Good Morning America anchor and retired NFL player Michael Strahan.
SOURCE Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave's Hot Chicken brings the heat with craveable chicken tenders and sliders crafted to order and coated with one of seven unique seasoning blends.