A Nashville-style hot chicken chain backed by Samuel L. Jackson and Drake is on its way to Tysons.
Dave’s Hot Chicken will open its first Virginia location at Pike 7 Plaza this year, property manager Federal Realty Investment Trust confirmed to FFXnow.
The restaurant will occupy 2,445 square feet of space on the northern end of the strip mall, replacing an office for a weight loss program at 8397 Leesburg Pike. A commercial alterations permit is pending an approval from the Fairfax County Fire Marshal.
Federal Realty said it’s “thrilled” to be chosen as Dave’s entry point into Virginia. The company recently opened a spot in D.C. and has Maryland franchises in the works.
“This renowned fast-casual restaurant serving Nashville hot chicken, has generated much hype across the country not only for its delicious menu but for the innovative use of art throughout the interior and exterior of the restaurant,” Federal Realty Senior Vice President of Asset Management Deirdre Johnson said. “We look forward to adding this highly sought-after concept to Pike 7 before year-end.”
Founded by a quartet of friends, Dave’s Hot Chicken started as a “tiny” street food stand in an East Hollywood parking lot in 2017, according to its website. Instagram and a rave Eater LA review generated buzz that led to a mall storefront a year later and a slew of celebrity investors.
The business now has over 100 locations across the U.S., Canada and the Middle East.
Popular in Nashville’s Black communities before it became trendy, hot chicken is fried and coated in spicy seasonings, typically accompanied by white bread and pickles. Dave’s menu offers four combo options of sliders and chicken tenders, with spice levels ranging from none to “reaper.”
Dave’s will be joined at Pike 7 Plaza by Lidl and Shake Shack. A Lidl spokesperson told FFXnow that the grocery store is still under construction but on track to open in 2023.
Construction on the standalone Shake Shack — which will take over a corner of the parking lot — is anticipated to start early this year, though the project is still in the process of getting permit approvals from Fairfax County, according to Federal Realty.
The shopping center recently welcomed Kusshi Ko, a sushi restaurant, and the upscale Ingle Korean Steakhouse.
Photo via Dave’s Hot Chicken/Instagram
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