Dave's Hot Chicken Accelerates UK Growth with Three New Outlets
Dave's Hot Chicken, the Los Angeles-based Nashville-style fried chicken brand famously backed by musician Drake, has confirmed the launch of three new restaurants in the United Kingdom. The expansion targets cities including Leicester, Sheffield, and Bristol, marking a significant step in the chain's ambitious growth strategy.
Immediate and Future Openings Detailed
The Leicester branch officially opened today, 6 February 2026, with a promotional offer of free sliders for the first 100 customers at its 11am launch. Located in the city centre at the former Pret a Manger site on Gallowtree Gate, the restaurant has applied for a late-night license to operate until 3am daily, including extended hours on New Year's Eve. Meanwhile, the Sheffield outlet is scheduled to open this February on Cambridge Street in the old Ask Italian premises, and the Bristol location at Cabot Circus is set for a March debut, as indicated by window signage.
Expansion Milestones and Strategic Vision
These new openings will elevate the total number of Dave's Hot Chicken outlets in the UK to ten. The brand first entered the UK market in December 2024 with a flagship store on London's Shaftesbury Avenue, where it garnered substantial customer queues and viral attention on TikTok through its spicy chicken challenge, requiring a waiver for participation. Subsequent expansions included Birmingham, Manchester, and Stevenage in 2025.
Azzurri Group, which holds exclusive development rights for Dave's Hot Chicken across Europe and operates brands like Zizzi and ASK Italian, has articulated a goal to establish 60 locations throughout the UK. Steve Holmes, Chief Executive of Azzurri Group, praised Dave's Hot Chicken as "a once-in-a-generation brand," underscoring its potential in the competitive fast-food sector.
Brand Background and Market Reception
Founded in 2017 by three childhood friends in Los Angeles, Dave's Hot Chicken has rapidly grown to over 200 locations in the United States within six years. In a notable development last summer, private equity firm Roark Capital, which also owns Subway, acquired the brand in a deal valued at $1 billion.
Keyana Mohammadi, Head of Marketing at Dave's Hot Chicken UK, commented on the expansion: "The response to Dave's in the UK has been massive, and it's clear there's a real appetite for bold flavours and proper heat. After successful openings in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, expanding into Leicester, Sheffield, and Bristol feels like a natural next step. These are cities with strong food cultures, and we're excited to bring the Dave's experience to even more people."
Menu and Cultural Initiatives
The menu features Nashville-style hot chicken items such as tenders, fries, sliders, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and pickles, complemented by beverages like top-loaded shakes and slushers. Additionally, Dave's Hot Chicken has engaged in pop culture collaborations, including a recent partnership with the Amazon Prime series Fallout, offering a 'Saucy Survival Kit' to promote the show's second season.
Current UK Locations
- London - Shaftesbury Avenue (West End): The flagship location.
- London - Westfield White City: Situated within the shopping centre.
- London Croydon
- Birmingham - New Street: A city centre outlet.
- Birmingham - Resorts World
- Manchester - Printworks: Located in the city centre.
- Stevenage - Leisure Park: Includes curb-side pickup services.
- Leicester - Gallowtree Gate: Opened on 6 February 2026.
- Sheffield - Cambridge Street: Scheduled to open in February 2026.
- Bristol - Cabot Circus: Planned for March 2026 opening.
This expansion underscores Dave's Hot Chicken's commitment to capturing the UK market with its distinctive spicy offerings, leveraging strategic partnerships and viral marketing to drive growth.
