Staffing

Dave’s Hot Chicken promotes Jim Bitticks to CEO

Bitticks will join the founders of Dave's Hot Chicken as the keynote speakers at the Founderology Growth Summit, Feb. 2-4 in Austin.

Photo: Dave's

January 8, 2026

LA-based Dave's Hot Chicken has officially announced the appointment of Jim Bitticks as CEO. Bitticks, who previously served as the company's president and COO succeeds Bill Phelps, the brand's CEO since 2019.

While stepping down from the day-to-day CEO role, Phelps will remain a vital fixture in the company's future as the executive chairman of the board of directors. In this capacity, he will continue to stay actively involved in the brand's strategic direction while maintaining his position as a primary equity stakeholder, according to a press release.

A legacy of rapid expansion

Under the leadership of Phelps and Bitticks, Dave's Hot Chicken has transformed from a local cult favorite into a global powerhouse. Bitticks has been instrumental in scaling the brand to nearly 400 restaurants worldwide as well as its $1 billion sale to Roark. Dave's also took the top spots on the Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers in 2025and 2023.

Phelps praised Bitticks' operational expertise and leadership style, noting his unique perspective as both a franchisee and an operator.

"Jim Bitticks has been a driving force behind the strategic, profitable growth of Dave's Hot Chicken for more than five years," Phelps said in the release. "Guest sentiment continues to rise — an extraordinary achievement for a brand growing at this pace — and it starts with Jim's vision for collaborative operations."

Honoring the "American Dream" roots

Bitticks takes the helm at a high point for the franchise. Recently named Yelp's 2025 Most Beloved Brand, Dave's Hot Chicken is widely recognized as the fastest-growing restaurant brand in America. Bitticks expressed his commitment to maintaining the founders' original vision — a story that famously began with just three friends and a $900 investment in a parking lot.

"I'm honored to continue leading this American Dream story," Bitticks said in the release. "As COO and president, I'm grateful to have helped craft the operations that pay homage to our origins while supporting rapid growth over the past five years. I've also been fortunate to learn firsthand from an extraordinary leader, Bill Phelps, who has been at the forefront of shaping this company's culture."

Bitticks will join the founders of Dave's Hot Chicken as the keynote speakers at the Founderology Growth Summit, Feb. 2-4 in Austin.