What Now reported last May on plans for a new Dave’s Hot Chicken to open in Clearwater’s Clearwater Mall. Those opening plans have since come to fruition as the fast-growing hot chicken franchise continues to expand its footprint in the Tampa Bay area. And now, the brand appears to have set its sights on Pinellas Park for its next opening.
This week, What Now came across plan review paperwork submitted by King Chicken, LLC for a new Dave’s Hot Chicken that would open at 4683 Park Blvd.
If Dave’s Hot Chicken’s growth seems fast, it may be even faster than you think. Coverage published by USA Today this month described a massive day for the brand—April 17—on which it launched 8 new locations. At least 150 openings are expected throughout 2026, the coverage said.
In addition to its mainstay meals like the Dave’s #1: 2 Tenders w/ Fries and the Dave’s #3: 1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries, Dave’s Hot Chicken recently debuted Dave’s Hot Mozz, mozzarella sticks loaded with Nashville hot goodness. There’s even the Dave’s Hot Mozz 5 Piece Meal (5 golden fried, mozzarella planks. Crispy, cheese-pully, delicious! Comes with fries).
“Like so many American dreams, ours had a humble beginning,” says the Dave’s Hot Chicken website’s About page. “Three childhood friends in their 20’s who scraped together $900. Our not-so-grand opening was in 2017, in a parking lot in East Hollywood, with a couple of folding tables and a portable fryer under the night sky. But thanks to Instagram, people came. And tasted. And came back with their friends. Then, the buzz brought a reporter from EATER/LA. He took a bite of his first Dave’s Hot Chicken tender, and our world changed. The next day he posted, ‘East Hollywood’s New Late Night Hot Chicken Stand Might Blow Your Mind.’”
Since then, Dave’s Hot Chicken has grown explosively, and it’s not showing any sign of slowing down now.
Opening in the Park Boulevard location, Dave’s Hot Chicken would join nearby restaurants like Pepper Lunch, Anthony & Luca’s Pizza Kitchen, IHOP, and more.
You can keep up with all things Dave’s Hot Chicken by following @daveshotchicken on Instagram.
