Dave’s Hot Chicken, a Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant chain, is planning a new location in Chula Vista at 655 H Street, as part of the Plaza 655 redevelopment.
The restaurant is planned for a prominent corner suite and is shown in project renderings as occupying the largest portion of the five-tenant development, according to LoopNet. Franchise owner Lawrence Kourie tells WhatNow San Diego that this location is expected to open sometime next year, although an exact opening date could not be provided. Kourie and franchise owners Andrew Feghali and Deryl Pangelinan own a handful of locations throughout San Diego County, including in Solana Beach, Pacific Beach, El Cajon, Oceanside, Escondido, and Mira Mesa.
The chain specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken served as tenders, sliders, and bites, with heat levels ranging from No Spice to Reaper. The menu also includes loaded fries, mac and cheese, kale slaw, pickles, and a selection of dipping sauces, along with newer items such as Hot Mozz, fried mozzarella served on its own or as a slider. Customers can also choose from a variety of cauliflower options, including tenders, sliders, bites, loaded fries, and Buffalo Cauli Mac. For larger groups, the menu includes boxes with chicken tenders, sliders, bites, and other items.
Dave’s Hot Chicken was founded in 2017 as a parking-lot pop-up in East Hollywood by Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tom Rubenyan, and Gary Rubenyan. The company’s website says the original concept started with $900, folding tables, and a portable fryer before growing into its first restaurant and eventually expanding across the country. Dave’s Hot Chicken entered the San Diego market in 2020. The Chula Vista restaurant would add to the chain’s existing presence in San Diego County.
