Why Is It Called Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Because Dave is real. Dave Kopushyan is the chef who created the recipe, and he fried the first tenders himself in an East Hollywood parking lot in 2017.
Unlike a lot of chain names picked from a list or a phone book, this one points to an actual person, and he still works for the company.
Who is Dave?
Dave Kopushyan is a trained cook. Before Dave’s Hot Chicken he worked as a line cook at Bouchon, the French bistro from chef Thomas Keller, one of the best known restaurant names in the United States.
He built the recipe around Nashville hot chicken, the fried chicken coated in a spicy paste that originated in Tennessee. The version he developed became the base for the whole menu: tenders and sliders, each available at several heat levels.
Today he is the company’s chief culinary officer, which means the person the brand is named after is still the one responsible for the food.
The parking lot start
In 2017 the four friends had very little money. They pooled about 900 dollars, bought a fryer and set up in a parking lot in East Hollywood. The idea was simple: one product done well, served to whoever showed up.
People did show up. Lines formed quickly, word spread on social media, and the pop up became a local event. Within about a year they opened their first proper restaurant.
The four co-founders
| Co-founder | Role |
|---|---|
| Dave Kopushyan | The chef and recipe creator, now chief culinary officer |
| Arman Oganesyan | A former stand up comedian, now chief brand officer |
| Tommy Rubenyan | Co-founder |
| Gary Rubenyan | Co-founder, Tommy’s brother |
All four grew up in East Hollywood, and none had built a business of this size before. Their growth into a national chain, and the billion dollar deal that followed, is covered in who owns Dave’s Hot Chicken.
From one lot to hundreds of restaurants
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Pop up opens in an East Hollywood parking lot |
| 2018 | First restaurant opens and outside investors come in |
| 2021 | Drake joins as an investor |
| 2024 | Systemwide sales reach about 617 million dollars |
| 2025 | Roark Capital deal values the chain at about 1 billion dollars |
The spice levels, from no spice up to Reaper, and current prices are on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu.
Related Questions
Why is it called Dave’s Hot Chicken?
It is named after co-founder Dave Kopushyan, the chef who created the recipe and cooked the first tenders at the 2017 parking lot pop up in East Hollywood. He is still with the company as chief culinary officer.
Is there a real Dave at Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Yes. Dave Kopushyan is one of the four co-founders and the person the chain is named after. He previously worked as a line cook at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon before starting the business.
Who founded Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Four friends from East Hollywood: chef Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. They started with about 900 dollars and a parking lot pop up in 2017.
Where did Dave’s Hot Chicken start?
In a parking lot in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, in 2017. The pop up drew long lines, and the first proper restaurant opened the following year.
What style of chicken is Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Nashville hot chicken, fried chicken coated in a spicy seasoning paste. Dave’s serves it as tenders and sliders at several heat levels, from no spice up to Reaper.
How much money did Dave’s Hot Chicken start with?
About 900 dollars, pooled by the four co-founders to buy a fryer and set up the first pop up. By 2024 the chain had systemwide sales of around 617 million dollars.
More on Dave’s Hot Chicken
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Dave’s Hot Chicken. Company history comes from published interviews and business press. Current prices and calories are on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu.
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