About Dave's Hot Chicken
From a backyard recipe to a beloved dave's hot chicken destination in United States — discover the passion, flavors, and people behind every perfectly crafted bite.
The Story Behind
Daves Hot Chicken
It all started with a dare, a cast-iron skillet, and a spice blend that made grown adults cry — in the best possible way.
Dave's hot chicken was born in 2018 when founder David Reyes decided to share his grandmother's Nashville-style hot chicken recipe with his neighborhood in Lakewood, California. What began as weekend pop-ups quickly became a cult phenomenon, with lines stretching around the block before the doors even opened.
Our daves hot chicken philosophy is simple: use real ingredients, never cut corners on flavor, and always respect the heat. Every piece of chicken is hand-marinated for 24 hours, double-dredged for that signature crunch, and coated in our secret spice paste that took three years to perfect.
Today, dave hot chicken has become a United States staple — a place where food lovers come to challenge themselves, share a meal, and leave with a story to tell. We're proud to be more than a restaurant; we're an experience.
View Our MenuOur Mission & Core Values
At daves chicken, everything we do is guided by a few unshakeable principles that keep our food honest and our community strong.
Unapologetic Heat
We believe in bold, authentic flavors. From mild to reaper-level, every heat level is crafted with intention and respect for the spice tradition.
Fresh Ingredients Only
No shortcuts, no frozen product. Every chicken is sourced fresh daily from trusted local farms, ensuring quality you can taste in every single bite.
Community First
We're rooted in Lakewood and proud to give back. From local hiring to food donation programs, community is at the heart of our daves hot chicken mission.
Excellence Always
From kitchen to table, our standards never slip. Every order that leaves our kitchen is treated as if it's going to our most important guest — because it is.
"Our mission is to serve the boldest, most honest hot chicken in the United States — food that ignites passion, sparks conversation, and keeps you coming back for more."
— David Reyes, Founder & Head Chef
The Dave Hot Chicken Timeline
From a backyard pop-up to a thriving restaurant — here's how dave's hot chicken grew into the beloved brand it is today.
The First Flame
David Reyes hosts his first backyard hot chicken pop-up in Lakewood, CA. Word spreads fast — all 50 portions sell out in under 30 minutes.
Food Truck Launch
Dave's hot chicken launches its first food truck, bringing daves hot chicken to markets, festivals, and private events across Southern California.
Brick & Mortar Opens
Despite challenging times, we open our first permanent location at 5247 Clark Ave, Lakewood. The opening day line stretched two city blocks.
"Best Hot Chicken" Award
Dave hot chicken wins "Best Hot Chicken in Southern California" from LA Food Scene Magazine. Online orders surge 300% within the month.
Menu Expansion
We introduce our legendary Chicken Sliders, Loaded Fries, and signature Reaper Challenge — 7 heat levels that only 5% of diners complete successfully.
Online Ordering Launches
Daves chicken goes digital with full online ordering, delivery partnerships, and a loyalty rewards program that now boasts over 15,000 members.
50,000 Guests Milestone
Dave's hot chicken celebrates serving its 50,000th guest — a milestone we marked with a special community feast and charitable donation to local food banks.
Growing Across the US
Dave's hot chicken begins expansion planning across United States, bringing our bold flavors and unapologetic heat to food lovers nationwide.
Meet the Team Behind Dave's Hot Chicken
Every great dish starts with great people. Our passionate team brings the daves hot chicken vision to life, one fiery plate at a time.
David Reyes
The original flame. David invented the secret spice blend that started it all, drawing inspiration from his grandmother's Southern cooking and his own love of intense, honest flavors.
Maya Torres
Maya keeps the fire running smoothly. With 12 years in restaurant operations, she ensures every guest of daves hot chicken receives a flawless, memorable experience.
Marcus Kim
Marcus brings culinary school discipline and street food soul to the kitchen. He developed our award-winning sides and the signature Loaded Fries that guests can't stop ordering.
Sofia Mendez
Sofia is the heart of our front-of-house. She ensures every guest who walks through our doors at dave's hot chicken feels welcomed, valued, and eager to return.
Want to join our passionate team? We're always looking for people who love great food.
Get in Touch