Dave's Hot Chicken To Expand Into Connecticut

CONNECTICUT — The fast food market in the state is really heating up.

Dave's Hot Chicken announced Tuesday it has inked a multi-franchise agreement with serial fast food restaurateur Chris Johnson.

Johnson has opened and operated 69 Burger King locations across seven different states over the past nine years. His latest deal calls for Johnson to cut ribbons at eight locations in Connecticut, specifically in the New Haven and Fairfield areas, according to trade site Franchising.com.

The Los Angeles-based chain specializes in hot chicken tenders and sliders, with spice levels ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper." Each restaurant also serves sides of house-made "kale slaw," mac-and-cheese and fries or cheese fries.

Johnson said he was looking to expand beyond burgers into the chicken market, and Dave's "set themselves apart from the pack."

Founded by classically-trained chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends in early 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up. It has since expanded to over 40 locations in the United States and Canada.

No sites or timelines have been established for the Connecticut locations, but Johnson is looking for 2,000 to 2,500-square-feet endcaps and freestanding locations, with drive-through infrastructure as a plus, according to a news release.

"I’m excited that we’ve partnered with a seasoned operator like Chris to help us grow our presence," said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. "His multi-unit franchising experience in the region will be key to our successful entrance into Connecticut."