Dave’s Hot Chicken continues to expand in Orange County. The company has signed an agreement with locals Bret Crutchfield and Mike DeSanti to open four restaurants, including San Clemente, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo locations, by spring and fall of 2021.
“When I first met Bret and Mike, I instantly knew they’d be a perfect fit in the Dave’s Hot Chicken culture. Their excitement to grow the brand is palpable, and the energy they give off is exactly what we want,” said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken.
Crutchfield and DeSanti also own several Board & Brew restaurants in Orange County and are eager to add this LA cult favorite to their portfolio. “Honestly, I’ve never had a fried chicken sandwich that tasted so good. There’s nothing offered in the area that comes close to the flavor and quality found with Dave’s Hot Chicken,” said DeSanti.
Chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends founded the concept in early 2017 as a parking lot pop-up. They have since added multiple brick-and-mortar stores in Southern California and plan to grow the franchise to more than 200 restaurants throughout the United States.
The menu includes hot chicken tenders and sliders, ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper.” House-made Kale Slaw, mac and cheese, crispy fries and cheese fries are offered on the side.
Nashville style fried chicken is all the rage and this chain is taking flight big-time in O.C., with a “coming soon” to Fountain Valley note posted on the website, and franchisees preparing to open stores in Anaheim, Irvine, Orange and Tustin by late 2020 or early 2021.
Crutchfield and DeSanti think South County will embrace the menu.
“Bret and I have always gravitated towards comfort food concepts, plus the simplicity of the operations and everything else the brand offered made them a no-brainer,” DeSanti said. “We love Orange County, and can’t wait to introduce this exciting concept to the people here.”