One of America’s fastest-growing fast-food chains is set to hit the New Jersey next year as Los Angeles-based Dave’s Hot Chicken will be setting up shop along a major Passaic County thoroughfare in Wayne.
CBRE, who are exclusively representing Dave’s Hot Chicken as they expand into New Jersey, has announced the brand’s first lease agreement in the state. The company will be bringing its Nashville-style hot chicken to Wayne’s West Belt Plaza, which is situated at 57 Route 23 near the Willowbrook Mall.
Amit Patel, whose previous experience includes multi-unit ownership of several Buffalo Wild Wings and Blaze Pizza franchises throughout New Jersey, will be operating the company’s latest franchise. Besides tenders and hot chicken sliders with a variety of spice levels, Dave’s Hot Chicken also serves sides of housemade “kale slaw,” creamy mac & cheese, and cheese fries.
“It’s exciting to get the ball rolling on Dave’s Hot Chicken’s entrance into New Jersey,” said Patel when announcing the deal. “Dave’s Hot Chicken is unlike anything else found in the area, and I think this location gives us a great opportunity to introduce our craveable food to the people of New Jersey.”
Founded in 2017 by Arman Oganesyan and chef Dave Kopushyan, Dave’s Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up in Southern California with lines quickly wrapping around the block. An East Hollywood brick-and-mortar promptly followed before the company struck a deal in 2019 to begin franchising the concept throughout the U.S. and beyond.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has since gained a cult following and has over 60 locations open in the United States and Canada. The brand’s investor roster is impressive and includes multiplatinum music artist Drake, former California First Lady Maria Shriver, Red Sox owner Tom Werner, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and former New York Giant and Good Morning America anchor Michael Strahan.
The company currently has more than 700 units committed since announcing the franchise initiative, with 14 of those restaurants slated for communities in New Jersey throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union counties. Their Wayne outpost is scheduled to open sometime early next year.
