Dave’s Hot Chicken offers franchising opportunities for experienced restaurant operators looking to grow with a fast-expanding, nationally recognized brand. The company focuses on partnering with proven, multi-unit franchisees who understand fast-casual operations and can scale multiple locations within a market. Rather than single-store ownership, the franchise model is built around long-term development and operational strength.
Investment Requirements
Becoming a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise partner requires a significant financial and operational commitment. The brand looks for candidates who are financially strong and prepared to develop multiple restaurants.
- Estimated start-up costs per restaurant range from approximately $619,800 to $1,963,000
- Franchisees are expected to commit to opening five or more locations
- Minimum liquid capital requirement of $2.5 million
- Minimum net worth requirement of $5 million
- Investment levels depend on location, build-out, and market conditions
Ownership & Development Expectations
The restaurant is selective about who it partners with and prioritizes operators with a strong background in restaurant management.
- Must currently own or operate at least five QSR or fast-casual franchise locations
- Experience should be within the target market area where development is planned
- Applicants should not currently own a competing fried chicken concept
- Strong operational performance and positive references from existing franchise systems are required
- Focus is on multi-unit growth, not single-location ownership
Who is Dave’s Hot Chicken looking for?
- Experienced multi-unit restaurant franchise operators
- Groups with proven systems, leadership teams, and capital
- Operators capable of scaling and maintaining brand standards
- Long-term partners focus on market development, not short-term expansion
Franchise Requirements – Quick Chart
| Category | Key Details |
| Investment per Restaurant | ~$619,800 – $1,963,000 |
| Development Commitment | 5 or more locations |
| Minimum Liquid Assets | $2.5 million |
| Minimum Net Worth | $5 million |
| Experience Required | 5+ QSR or fast-casual franchise units |
| Ownership Restrictions | No existing fried chicken concepts |
| Franchise Type | Multi-unit only |
How to Get Started?
Interested candidates can submit an inquiry through the official Dave’s Hot Chicken franchising page. Once submitted, a representative typically reaches out within a short timeframe to discuss qualifications, market availability, and next steps. At this stage, the restaurant is focused exclusively on experienced, multi-unit franchise operators.