Riyadh is set to get a brand new celebrity-loved dining destination.

However, this new opening is far cry from the fine dining restaurant you might expect.

Dave's Hot Chicken is fast becoming a go-to destination for high-quality, tasty and talked about fast food across the GCC.

Imported directly from Los Angeles, this Nashville-style chicken diner is set to become a trending destination for foodies across the spectrum. Serving up piping hot chicken tenders and juicy chicken burgers in a secret spicy, crispy coat, alongside crinkle cut fries and a selection of milkshakes: this is wholesome, Southern fast food.

Opening on Tahlia Street in Al Olaya, this Riyadh location will be the first Dave's Hot Chicken to open in the Kingdom. Doors are expected to officially open to a bevvy of hungry fans on Friday July 21, with the soft launch occurring on Thursday July 20.

Although the food is great, the interiors are decorated in an eccentric street art style curated for each individual location and this is an exciting addition to high-quality fast food in Riyadh, the story behind the brand and the celebrity investors are also an intrinsic part of the brand's fabric.

With more than 110 locations around the world, and locations in both Doha, Qatar and Dubai, UAE, this fast food joint is becoming an investors dream. And, there are some seriously big Hollywood names willing to support this mouthwatering chicken shop.

According to the brand's bio, the concept originated as a pop-up, just six years ago with a funding of just $900 / SAR3400.

In 2017, four childhood friends with $900 in savings started a pop-up called Dave’s Hot Chicken in an East Hollywood parking lot. The rest is history.

The friends — namesake Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan — decided they would create the best Nashville-style coated chicken and put it on the market. With a simple menu, keeping tender chicken pieces and authentic flavours at the front and centre, the brand caught the attention of local and national food reviewers.

Dave's Hot Chicken - Original East Hollywood Pop Up

The fast food chain had an estimated value of over $17.6 million for year ending January 5, 2020. However, according to Restaurant Dive, franchising has lead to a sky-rocketing in the brand's financial performance and value, and sales are expected to exceed more than $400 million.

Although the brand has roots in East Hollywood, the original location of Dave's Hot Chicken was far from the Hollywood glamour we all think we know - however, a full circle moment has occurred as a number of high-profile, Hollywood stars have been amongst the first inline to invest in the brand.

Current celebrity investors include massive names such as Academy Award winning actor, Samuel L. Jackson, internationally renowned hip-hop and rap artist Drake and NFL-alum and TV personality Michal Strahan. Other angel investors include former First Lady of California and ex-wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver and Boston Red Sox owner, Tom Werner.

Their involvement has not only heightened the brand's visibility but also garnered widespread attention, solidifying Dave's Hot Chicken's position as a must-visit dining destination in Riyadh.

With rave reviews from around the world, the arrival of Dave's Hot Chicken has sparked excitement among food enthusiasts in the city, who eagerly line up for a taste of the juicy and flavourful chicken.

Opening Friday July 21. Tahlia Street Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241. Open daily from 11am - 2am.

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