Dave's Hot Chicken Plans Escondido Opening In December

ESCONDIDO, CA — Dave’s Hot Chicken, a fiesty, fast-growing restaurant chain serving fiery, "blow your mind" chicken, will open in Escondido in December — marking continued expansion for the company launched five years ago by four guys with a $900 deep fryer in an East Hollywood parking lot.

The Escondido eatery is moving into the former Sushiya site on Auto Parkway, company officials said.

On the menu are chicken tenders and sliders, along with such sides as house-made kale slaw, mac n’ cheese, crinkle-cut fries and milkshakes.

For Dave's Hot Chicken, it's the heat-packing, spice blends that set the chain apart and kicked off a cult-like following for the Los Angeles-based operation.

The chicken is ordered at one of seven spice levels ranging from No Spice to Reaper, (which requires a signed waiver for those who dare), according to management.

"Lookin' for outstanding chicken with kickin'? Then, look no further. Dave's Hot Chicken has you covered," one SoCal Yelp reviewer wrote.

The restaurant got its start in 2017 when founders — Dave Kopushyan (a Thomas Keller restaurant-trained chef), Arman Oganesyan, plus brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan — scraped together $900, bought a fryer and set up shop in an East Hollywood parking lot. The longtime friends were intent on perfecting spicy, juicy chicken, topped with Chef Dave’s spice mix.

• RELATED: Dave's Hot Chicken: From California Pop-Up To Fast Track In 5 Years

After Instagram buzz and an Eater/LA headline, lines stretched around the block and drew attention from such investors as former California First Lady Maria Shriver, Red Sox owner Tom Werner, actor Samuel L. Jackson, Good Morning America's Michael Strahan and musician Usher. Usher recently posted an Instagram video of himself sweating and fretting as he ate a "reaper"-level slider, People magazine reported.

“Dave’s Hot Chicken will blow your mind," CEO Bill Phelps said. "Every tender is hot, juicy and spicy.”

The eatery maintains a loyal fan base, and now operates 62 stores nationwide, with more than 30 locations throughout California, including in El Cajon, San Diego and Pacific Beach.

The Escondido locale will be at 1200 Auto Parkway. Follow this link for more info and menu details.

------------

IN OTHER AREA RESTAURANT & DINING NEWS ON PATCH:

• Oktoberfest 2022: Guide To The Most Wunderbar In San Diego County
• Hatch Chile Season Nears At San Diego Gelson's: Place Your Orders
• 15-Plus Top Summer Restaurant Specials 2022: San Diego Area
• Weekend At A Winery: Book A Stay At New Paso Robles Vineyard Farmhouse
• Lazy Dog Restaurant In San Diego Amps Up Menu