Franchising

Dave's Hot Chicken entering Washington

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August 23, 2022

Dave's Hot Chicken, a Los Angeles-based street food brand, has inked a franchise agreement with father and daughter, Ajay Keshap and Sana Keshap, to open 10 locations in Seattle and the surrounding area.

"As we continue to expand our presence from coast to coast, it was important that we make our entrance into Washington with franchisees who are familiar with the market and have the right multi-unit operating experience," Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave's Hot Chicken, said in a company press release. "Ajay and Sana fit that mold perfectly and are exactly who we want to help introduce Dave's Hot Chicken to a new state."

The Dave's Hot Chicken model works in a variety of floor plans and is seeking 2,000- to 2,700-square-feet endcaps and freestanding locations with or without drive-thru capacity, Phelps said.

"The hot chicken category has tremendous growth potential and is a logical choice as we seek to expand our portfolio," Ajay Keshap said in the release. "Dave's Hot Chicken has separated themselves from others in the category with their phenomenal product and branding. With a simple menu and operations, passionate and experienced leadership team, booming fan following and delicious food, the franchise opportunity was extremely attractive and made the choice to invest a no-brainer. Our team is eager to grow Dave's Hot Chicken throughout Washington State."

The Keshaps own 36 Denny's and 16 Papa John's stores throughout Washington and California.

Founded by Arman Oganesyan, Chef Dave Kopushyan and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan in early 2017, Dave's Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up and has over 700 units committed since announcing the franchise initiative in 2019.