Celeb-backed spicy chicken chain sets opening date for 1st NJ restaurant

Kimberly Redmond//December 2, 2022//

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Dave’s Hot Chicken and all the fixings: The fast-casual brand’s menu includes hot chicken tenders and sliders, house-made kale slaw, mac & cheese and crispy fries or cheese fries. – DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN

Dave’s Hot Chicken, a popular California-based spicy chicken chain, is putting the finishing touches on its first restaurant in New Jersey.

Located in the West Belt Plaza, 57 Route 23 in Wayne, the new shop is scheduled to open Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. Following the grand opening, the location will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The eatery’s menu includes sliders and chicken tenders – whose spice levels can be adjusted anywhere from none to “Reaper” – as well as sides, such as house-made mac & cheese, kale slaw, fries and cheese fries.

With financial backers including celebrity fans Drake, Michael Strahan and Samuel L. Jackson, Dave’s Hot Chicken has grown to more than 80 locations across the U.S., Canada, Qatar and Dubai since its launch five years ago as a parking lot pop-up in West Hollywood.

After announcing its franchise initiative in 2019, the company has more than 700 restaurants committed.