It’s been a year and half since What Now reported on plans for Broward County’s first Dave’s Hot Chicken location in Pembroke Pines. That location has since opened, and a second launch is now imminent in Pompano Beach.
“The feedback has been fabulous—really exceeding expectations,” Eric Houseman, one of the franchisees behind Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Broward expansion, told What Now on Wednesday. This is the case all over the country: “The brand is looking to open close to 100 units this year. It’s been the third fastest-growing franchise for three years running.”
And as a Pompano Beach opening approaches, Houseman’s group, Hans Hot Chicken, now has a third location in the works. It’s opening in Coral Springs, at 2558 N University Drive, according to submitted plan review paperwork. Houseman says it should be open before year’s end.
“It should be sometime in Q4. We’ve submitted permits and are waiting to hear back. We’re doing everything from our end to facilitate the quickest possible delivery.”
The Dave’s Hot Chicken Menu features meals like the Dave’s #1: 2 Tenders w/ Fries and the Dave’s #2: 2 Sliders w/ Fries. Tenders are served with sliced bread, pickles, and a side of Dave’s Sauce, while sliders come on a potato bun with kale slaw pickle, drizzled with Dave’s Sauce. These can be served up along with sides like Mac & Cheese, Cheese Fries, and more—and finished off with Top-Loaded Shakes in varieties like Oreo, M&M, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
But what really sets the brand apart, Houseman says, is the level of choice guests have in how spicy they want their chicken. You can play it safe with No Spice, Lite Mild, and Mild, or get a little crazier, blowing past Medium, Hot, and even Extra Hot to the hottest level—Reaper—which you’ll have to sign a waiver to try. (Fun things are often at least a little bit scary!)
The University Drive location is part of Royal University Plaza, which is also home to a Vicky Bakery.
You can keep up with Dave’s Hot Chicken news by following @daveshotchicken on Instagram.
To anyone reading this- please hold off from eating at the location on University. Message the owners to stop forcing the landlord to kick out the local tattoo shop. That shop has been there 20 years and because of it being an “undesirable business” to be sharing the plaza… they’re getting kicked out. Don’t let this international food chain hurt our artists and small businesses.