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    Dave’s Hot Chicken Expanding with 13 Columbus Area Restaurants

    Another franchise is committing to big numbers of Central Ohio restaurants. Los Angeles-based Dave’s Hot Chicken will make its way to the Midwest via a 28-unit development deal including locations in Ohio and Indiana.

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    Fifteen locations are reserved for various locations in the Hoosier state, while the remaining 13 units will open in the Columbus area. It’s the first foray into Ohio for franchisees Tyler Freeland, Todd Hollman and Matt Fortney who also own 45 Pizza Hut locations in Indiana.

    “As we continue to expand in key markets throughout the Midwest, it’s vital that we partner with seasoned operators like Tyler, Todd and Matt to ensure success right out of the gate,” said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “Their multi-unit experience is invaluable as we introduce the craveable food of Dave’s Hot Chicken to more people in Indiana and Ohio.” 

    Dave’s Hot Chicken started as an LA pop-up in early 2017, and now operates nine locations in Southern California and one in Toronto with additional restaurants planned in those markets, as well as Oregon, Nevada, Colorado and Texas.

    Tenders and Sliders are the basis of a streamlined menu, with seven levels of heat ranging from no spice to reaper. In the sides department, it’s mac & cheese, kale slaw and fries (or cheese fries).

    Site selection is still underway, so no exact locations yet, but the first restaurants could open as soon as late 2021 or early 2022.

    Dave’s Hot Chicken joins a growing number of chain-based restaurants committing to multiple area locations. Last fall, Del Taco announced its plans for seven regional restaurants, two of which are already open in Bellefontaine and Circleville, with Whitehall, 4720 W. Main St., to join the party soon.

    Last month both Charlotte, NC based Bojangles and NYC-based The Halal Guys announced their plans for the region. Bojangles will open 15 restaurants, and The Halal Guys seven restaurants, with both yet to announce exact locations or concrete timelines.

    For more information, visit daveshotchicken.com.

    All photos provided by Dave’s Hot Chicken

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    Susan Post
    Susan Post
    Susan is the editor of The Metropreneur and associate editor of Columbus Underground, and also covers small business and entrepreneurial news and the food scene in Central Ohio.Susan holds a degree in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing from The Ohio State University. She sits on the board of the Central Ohio Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and loves coffee, whiskey, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
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