Dave’s Hot Chicken, the Los Angeles-based Nashville-style fried chicken phenomenon, has signed a landmark agreement with UK hospitality operator Azzurri Group, securing exclusive rights to develop the brand across Europe.

Under the deal, Azzurri Group will launch 180 Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants in ten European markets, including France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Italy, and Turkey. The expansion will use a joint venture model, pairing Azzurri with experienced local operators in each country.

The agreement follows the brand’s successful UK debut in late 2024, when a flagship restaurant opened on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End. The location exceeded expectations in footfall and customer engagement. Subsequent openings in Birmingham and Manchester have seen similar success, underscoring the concept’s broad international appeal.

Steve Holmes, CEO of Azzurri Group, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation brand. Dave’s Hot Chicken has all the ingredients for international success—unforgettable food, massive cultural resonance, and an incredibly scalable model. The response in the UK has been phenomenal, and we’re now focused on bringing this concept to more countries through strong local joint venture partnerships.”

Azzurri Group is a leading UK hospitality operator with a portfolio that includes ASK Italian, Zizzi, Coco di Mama, and Boojum, operating over 225 restaurants and stores. The company has a track record of scaling high-performing brands, combining operational expertise with local market insight, qualities that make it a strategic partner for Dave’s Hot Chicken’s European ambitions.

Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, added: “This agreement represents a major milestone in our global development strategy. Azzurri has proven itself as a best-in-class operator with deep expertise in brand building and market execution. Their commitment to working alongside local partners gives us the scale, agility, and cultural insight needed to expand in new territories.”

Founded in 2017 by chef Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Tommy and Gary Rubenyan, Dave’s Hot Chicken began as a parking lot pop-up in Los Angeles. The concept rapidly gained popularity, leading to a brick-and-mortar opening in East Hollywood and subsequent franchising deals across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Canada. The brand is known for its Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and bites, served with sides such as house-made kale slaw, mac & cheese, and seasoned fries, with spice levels from “No Spice” to “Reaper.”

The company currently has over 1,020 franchise locations globally and plans to open more than 70 additional units in 2025. Celebrity investors include Drake, Usher, Samuel L. Jackson, Maria Shriver, and Michael Strahan.