Dave's Hot Chicken accelerates international expansion
UK-based Azzurri Group receives exclusive development rights across Europe.
Nashville-style hot chicken concept Dave's Hot Chicken finalized a landmark agreement with UK-based Azzurri Group, granting the hospitality powerhouse exclusive development rights across Europe. Under the new agreement, Azzurri Group will develop 180 Dave's Hot Chicken restaurants across 10 European countries, leveraging a joint venture partnership model to team up with experienced local operators in each market. These countries are France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Italy and Turkey.
The deal builds on the success of Dave's Hot Chicken's UK debut, which launched in late 2024 with a flagship location on Shaftesbury Avenue in London's West End. The restaurant exceeded expectations in both foot traffic and customer engagement, reinforcing the concept's broad appeal and growth potential in countries worldwide. Following the London opening, two additional locations, one in Birmingham and one in Manchester, have opened in the UK with similarly strong results.
"This is a once-in-a-generation brand," said Steve Holmes, CEO of Azzurri Group. "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 hospitality operator in the UK with a portfolio that includes ASK Italian, Zizzi, Coco di Mama and Boojum. The group operates over 225 restaurants and stores and has a track record of growing scalable brands. Azzurri combines operational expertise with a proven ability to execute in diverse markets.
"This agreement represents a major milestone in our global development strategy," said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave's Hot Chicken. "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 by Arman Oganesyan and classically trained chef Dave Kopushyan, along with brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan in early 2017, Dave's Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up, with lines quickly wrapping around the block. Dave's Hot Chicken offers a robust business model, including national and local marketing support, proven systems, manuals, operating procedures and assistance with site selection.
Source: Dave's Hot Chicken
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