Dave’s Hot Chicken secures first UK site

Dave’s Hot Chicken is believed to be opening its first UK site in London’s Piccadilly.

It comes after the American quick-service chain announced in July that it had signed a deal with Zizzi operator Azzurri Group to open 60 restaurants in the UK, with the first of its restaurants due to launch early next year.

The chicken brand was founded by three childhood friends, Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan and Tommy Rubenyan, in an East Hollywood carpark in 2017.

It has since gone viral for its spiced-to-order chicken with seven levels of spice ranging from No Spice to Reaper, which requires a signed waiver from guests.  

The brand is also backed by rapper and singer Drake.

According to council documents seen by The Caterer, Azzurri Group has submitted proposals to display a series of illuminated signs at Vernon House, 40 Shaftesbury Avenue.

The application was received by Westminster Council on 3 September and was “pending consideration” at the time of writing.

The site is currently believed to be home to a souvenir shop.

Prior to that, the basement and ground floor of the property had secured planning permission to operate as a Simmons bar in April 2023.