New Hot Chicken Franchise Opening First NJ Store In Wayne

WAYNE, NJ - Calling all chicken fans! This California chain will be making its Garden State debut later this year.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has announced plans to move into 57 Route 23 in Wayne’s West Belt Plaza with a winter 2022 opening date.

“This is an ideal site for us to establish our presence and draw customers in,” said Dave’s Hot Chicken New Jersey franchise owner Amit Patel, who touts multi-unit ownership of several Buffalo Wild Wings and Blaze Pizza franchises around the state.

“Dave’s Hot Chicken is unlike anything else found in the area, and I think this location gives us a great opportunity to introduce our craveable food to the people of New Jersey.”

Menu offerings include hot chicken tenders and sandwiches with seven spice levels. For critics of spicy foods, Dave’s Hot Chicken also serves cheese fries, mac and cheese and “kale slaw”. See the full menu here.

The chain first announced plans in 2021 of opening outposts in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties. Read more: LA Staple Dave's Hot Chicken Brings Nashville Taste To NJ: Report

There are nearly 70 Dave’s Hot Chicken locations in the U.S. and Canada, with many sites representing California. In fact, the fast-casual chain began as a California parking lot pop-up in 2017 before its first brick-and-mortar store opened its doors.