Drake-loving hot chicken chain opens location in Pickering, Ontario

From a parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood to 170 locations and endorsements from superstars like Drake and Samuel Jacksons to a $1 billion buyout in just eight years, Dave’s Hot Chicken has come a long way.

Now the fast-growing chain known for its Nashville-style spicy chicken and simple menu concept is open in Pickering, with the newest location opening at the Shops at Pickering City Centre Friday.

“We’re super excited for this one, so tag the crew and come get your chicken,” was the message from the franchise’s management on their socials.

Founded in 2017 by four Armenian friends from Los Angeles – one, Dave Kopushyan, a trained chef – who took Nashville Hot Chicken and created a viral cult with a menu of tenders, sliders, fries, kale slaw, personalized spice levels and super smart branding.

Six months and many long lineups after that parking lot pop-up in Hollywood in 2017 the team moved into their first bricks and mortar store in early 2018 and expansion has been rapid ever since.

The first Canadian store opened in Parkdale in 2021 after the Bitove family of media and sports fame took a shine to the food on a visit to California. Now there are five locations in Toronto and restaurants in Burlington (2023), Kitchener, London and Pickering, with another planned for Brampton.

Canadian mega pop star Drake liked the food so much he bought into the company. As did film legend Samuel Jackson and everyone involved in the financing turned in a tidy profit when the company was bought this year by Roark Capital, owners of major brands like Dunkin’ Donuts, Subway, and Arby’s in a $1 billion deal.

The Pickering location is located beside Carter’s Oshkosh outside entrance # 2 at the mall and like the other restaurants, features a simple menu of two chicken tenders and fries, two sliders and fries or one tender and one slider.

All tenders are served with sliced bread, pickles and a side of Dave’s sauce. All sliders are served with kale slaw, pickles and Dave’s sauce.

Other sides include cheese fries and mac and cheese and Dave’s offers milkshakes, pop, water and beer to drink. Spice levels range from no spice to reaper.

Dave’s Hot Chicken is open 11-11 Sunday to Wednesday and 11-midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, Pickering City Centre