Dave’s Hot Chicken eyes China, Southeast Asia expansion
The brand is reportedly exploring a potential sale valued at $1b.
California-based Dave’s Hot Chicken is banking on Asia’s strong food culture as it gears up for further international expansion in China and Southeast Asia.
“Over the next two to three years, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are all high on our list for expansion,” Jim Bitticks, president and chief operating officer at Dave’s Hot Chicken, told QSR Media Asia. “These countries have a strong appetite for bold flavours, a thriving food culture, and a growing demand for high-quality chicken concepts.”
The fried-chicken chain partly owned by rapper Drake, known for serving chicken tenders and sandwiches in seven spice levels from No Spice to “The Reaper,” has evolved from a small parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood to a growing international franchise.
The brand, known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, has about 250 branches in the US, Middle East, and Canada.
Dave’s is exploring a potential sale that could value the popular restaurant chain at about $1b, including debt, Reuters reported on 12 February, citing unnamed sources. It is working with investment bank North Point on a sale process, which is attracting interest from private equity firms, it said.
Bitticks said Asia has a strong influence on global trends, particularly in bold, spicy flavours and street food culture. “Asian flavours like mala, gochujang, and wasabi are becoming mainstream as American consumers continue to embrace heat beyond just traditional hot sauces.”
He cited the elevation of street food culture, whether it’s the rise of night market-inspired dining experiences or handheld snacks like Japanese sandos and Korean corn dogs making their way into quick-service and fast-casual concepts.
Technology is also shaping the future of dining, Bitticks said, citing Asia’s adoption of tech innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered ordering, robotic kitchens, and high-efficiency ghost kitchens.
“We expect to see more of these streamlined, digital-first experiences influencing US restaurants,” he said. “The US tends to follow Asia’s lead in these areas, so we’re keeping a close eye on how these innovations can shape the future of fast-casual dining.”
Bitticks said they expect the QSR Media Asia Conference in Singapore on 3 April to explore the region’s quick-service restaurant scene more deeply.
“We’re particularly excited to learn how brands are adapting to the unique consumer preferences, digital innovations, and operational efficiencies that define the Asian market,” he said.
He also expects the event to give them a chance to connect with potential franchisees, partners, and industry leaders who could help them enter new markets. “We’re looking forward to conversations that will shape how Dave’s Hot Chicken can successfully make its way into Asia.”
Bitticks said Dave’s Hot Chicken has always focused on finding the right people first, ensuring each franchise partner is set up for long-term success.
“We were highly selective, ensuring that every franchisee we partnered with had the experience, passion, and operational expertise to help us grow successfully,” he said. “By focusing on franchisees who understood their local markets inside and out, we were able to expand with confidence, knowing they had the ability to execute at a high level.”
Bitticks said one of the biggest hurdles they faced when entering new countries is supply chain logistics. Keeping their proprietary ingredients—spices, chicken, and sauces—consistent and of high quality whilst adhering to local regulations need careful planning and strong supplier partnerships, he pointed out.
Dave’s relies on its franchise partners to help them adapt to new market conditions, from picking the right locations to understanding local consumer tastes, he added.
