Franchising

Dave's Hot Chicken adds 3 execs to leadership team

Provided

October 19, 2020

Dave's Hot Chicken, a Los Angeles-based street food concept, has hired Ryan Crumley as chief development officer. Formerly serving in a similar position at Driven Brands, Crumley vetted real estate sites prior to franchisees coming on board as well as cultivated franchisee support and enthusiasm, according to a company press release.

Dave's Hot Chicken has also added Ed McBride as its VP of IT to support its digital infrastructure. Prior to joining Dave's Hot Chicken, McBride served as Smashburger's VP of technology services. During his almost seven years with the brand, he launched the online ordering platform for the entire brand, enabling guests to order through various digital channels for the almost 400-unit chain.

Additionally, Tiffany Vassos has joined the company as its VP of design and construction. Before joining Dave's, Vassos held the role for seven years at Blaze Pizza, overseeing the building of more than 350 restaurants across the United States, Canada and the Middle East, including Blaze's flagship location at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida.

"In Tiffany, Ed and Ryan, we're adding proven category veterans to support and grow our infrastructure as we continue expanding across the country," Bill Phelps, Dave's Hot Chicken's CEO, said in the release. "With these vital support center additions, we look forward to further delivering the type of experience that fans rave about on social, leading to continued daily lines out the door at all of our locations."

Chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends opened the first Dave's Hot Chicken as a parking lot pop-up in early 2017 and opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in East Hollywood.