Azzurri Group nabs franchise deal for Dave’s Hot Chicken

The group plans to open 60 restaurants in the UK.

Azzurri Group, the owner of brands like Coco di Mama and Ask Italian, has signed a franchise agreement to bring US fried chicken brand Dave’s Hot Chicken to the UK & Ireland.

The agreement will see the group open 60 locations for the fried chicken brand, with the first one to open in London by Q1 2025.

“We know there is an opportunity to make Dave’s Hot Chicken one of the iconic restaurant brands, and we do that by partnering with incredible operators, like Azzurri Group,” said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “The flavor of Dave’s Hot Chicken resonates across borders, and we’re looking forward to the first UK store getting open soon.”

Dave’s Hot Chicken specializes in jumbo Hot Chicken Sliders, Tenders and Bites, along with sides of house-made Kale Slaw, creamy Mac & Cheese and crispy, seasoned French Fries. Offered at seven spice levels ranging from No Spice to Reaper (which requires customers to sign a waiver), each piece of juicy, hand-breaded chicken is spiced-to-order. 

In early 2024, the company also introduced Dave’s NOT Chicken, the brand’s take on hot, juicy and crispy Cauliflower Sliders and Cauliflower Bites.

Each store is popping with eye-catching colour and energy, with exclusively designed LA-based street art reflecting the connection with the parking lot where the brand began.