Columbia’s new hot chicken restaurant has set an opening date. Here’s when it heats up
The heat is on, Columbia.
Dave’s Hot Chicken, a chain that began in California and has been spreading across the U.S., is set to make its debut in the capital city. The new Dave’s Hot Chicken location at 4601-A Devine St. will have its grand opening on Friday, June 16, according to franchisee Kal Gullapalli. That storefront was formerly home to a Smashburger restaurant. A Moe’s Southwest Grill is located next door.
Dave’s Hot Chicken started as a parking lot pop-up in 2017 in Los Angeles and has quickly grown, with restaurants across the nation. There are locations in dozens of cities across North America, with another 700 units committed since franchising opportunities revved up in 2019.
A 2022 news release said Dave’s offers “hot chicken tenders and sliders, with spice levels ranging from ‘No Spice’ to ‘Reaper,’” as well as sides including house-made kale slaw, creamy mac and cheese, and crispy fries or cheese fries.
Several celebrities were among the early investors in the fast-casual Dave’s chain several years ago, including rapper Drake, actor Samuel L. Jackson and former California First Lady Maria Shriver, according to a 2022 news release.
Gullapalli told The State earlier this year he also has plans for Dave’s Hot Chicken storefronts in other SC areas, including Greenville, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
