Dave's Hot Chicken To Open 1st Union County Location

UNION, NJ — Union County's first Dave's Hot Chicken location is set to open in Union Township with a grand opening set for Friday.

The scrappy late-night pop-up turned hot chicken sensation will open its newest location at 2401 Route 22.

Dave's specializes in jumbo, Nashville-style hot chicken sliders; house-made kale slaw; creamy mac and cheese; and seasoned french fries. Chicken is available at seven different spice levels, ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper," which requires a signed waiver.

The fast-growing restaurant chain originated in a parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood, California. In 2017, four friends scraped together $900 to purchase an air fryer and serve flavorful hot chicken tenders. Despite only selling one item — a hot chicken combo plate — the street-food stand became a hit, with lines that sometimes stretched around the block.

Dave's Hot Chicken opened several restaurants around California in the coming years and spread its wings beyond the Golden State in 2021. That year, rapper Drake took notice and became a significant investor, according to Dave's.

The Union Township restaurant will operate Sunday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to midnight.

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