'Craveable' American chicken chain backed by Usher to open 60 restaurants in UK

A popular American chicken chain is set to open 60 restaurants across the UK next year. Dave's Hot Chicken, which has 2.4 million followers on TikTok, was started by three childhood friends in an East Hollywood car park.

The chain specialises in hand-breaded chicken that's spiced to order and counts actor Samuel L. Jackson and singer Usher among its backers. The first UK restaurant is set to open in London in 2025.

Azzurri Group, which operates Zizzi, ASK Italian, Coco di Mama and Irish fast-casual Mexican brand Boojum, has signed an agreement with Dave’s Hot Chicken to open the 60 sites across the UK. It is not yet known if a branch will open in Birmingham, or the wider West Midlands yet.

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Dave's Hot Chicken menu includes tenders and sliders, and you can choose your heat from seven options - ranging from no spice and lite mild, all the way to extra hot and reaper, which requires customers to sign a waiver before they can have it. Sides include fries, cheese fries, mac and cheese and kale slaw.

The Caterer reports that the company has already sold rights to over 700 franchise locations in the US, Middle East and Canada, with plans to open more than 90 new spots this year.

Steve Holmes, CEO of Azzurri Group, expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying: "When we first tried Dave's Hot Chicken we were blown away as it makes some of the most craveable and delicious food we've ever had. We're excited to bring this incredible brand to the UK and to be their partner in this ambitious roll-out."