Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to make its South Jersey debut soon.

Located at Ellisburg Shopping Center in Cherry Hill, the popular California-born spicy chicken chain plans to open this spring, according to the commercial property’s owner, Federal Realty Investment Trust.

Founded seven years ago as a pop-up in West Hollywood, Dave’s Hot Chicken is known for its hot chicken tenders and sliders – with spice levels ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper” – as well as its sides, such as mac & cheese, kale slaw and cheese fries.

With support from celebrity backers including Drake, Samuel L. Jackson and Maria Shriver, the brand has grown to more than 140 locations nationwide, making it one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country. It also has stores in Canada, Dubai and Qatar.

Dave’s Hot Chicken first arrived in the Garden State two years ago, when Amit Patel launched one in Wayne. The franchise plans to open 14 more North Jersey locations, with a spot in Kearny at Kearny Commons scheduled to come on line by the second quarter of 2024.

Last month, a Dave’s Hot Chicken opened in Ocean Township, the first of nine units that will be run by Noraiz Khan and Kashif Khan, two brothers from East Brunswick who own and operate several Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants in New Jersey and New York.

The upcoming Cherry Hill location will be the first of seven outposts managed by Jason Soares and Luis Garcia, seasoned restauranteurs who have several Dunkin’ franchises.

For the duo, South Jersey is a perfect place to introduce the brand because its proximity to cities like Atlantic City and Philadelphia “can provide access to a larger customer base and increase visibility,” Soares told NJBIZ last fall.

He also said, “Dave’s Hot Chicken stands out because of its delicious food and cool restaurants, so we wanted to bring this innovative concept to the New Jersey. We truly believe that this brand is something big, so knew we had to get involved. We look forward to bringing their unique take on Nashville hot chicken to more people throughout the state of New Jersey.”