Prime Highlights:
- Dave’s Hot Chicken is opening its first South London store in Croydonon December 16, expanding its UK presence.
- The chain offers signature spicy chickenwith customizable spice levels, from mild to the fiery “Reaper” challenge.
Key Facts:
- The new Croydon store will operate 11am–10pm(Mon–Thu & Sun) and 11am–11pm (Fri–Sat).
- Dave’s UK expansion includes sites in Birmingham, Stevenage, Manchester, Westfield White City, and Leicester, with plans for 30–60 new locationsover the next five years.
Background:
Fans of Nashville-style hot chicken have reason to celebrate, as Dave’s Hot Chicken is expanding its UK presence with a brand-new site in Croydon, marking the chain’s first venture into South London.
It’s been a year since Dave’s launched its flagship store on Shaftesbury Avenue, which drew long queues from day one. The American fast food chain, famous for its spicy chicken, loved by celebrities like Drake and Samuel L. Jackson, continues to win over UK food lovers.
Jim Attwood, managing director of Dave’s Hot Chicken UK, said, “We’re excited to end the year with our sixth new opening and bring our signature heat to Croydon. This vibrant borough has a thriving food culture that fits Dave’s energy perfectly. We can’t wait to welcome both new and returning fans to enjoy our unique spicy chicken.”
This year alone, Dave’s has opened or announced new sites in Birmingham, Stevenage, Manchester, Westfield White City, and Leicester, with plans for 30 to 60 more locations across the UK over the next five years.
The menu is simple but flavorful, featuring tenders and sliders made with halal-certified British chicken, alongside sides like fries, loaded fries, pickles, mac & cheese, and slaw. Customers can also personalise their meal by selecting a spice level from six options, ranging from No Spice to Extra Hot. For the bravest, there’s a seventh option called The Reaper, which requires signing a waiver before eating.
The move comes amid a surge in popularity for fried chicken chains in the UK. Big names like KFC, Slim Chickens, Chick-fil-A, and Raising Cane’s are expanding, while brands from Dubai and Canada are entering the market. Chains like Domino’s and McDonald’s are adding more chicken items.
Food expert Vhari Russell says chicken is popular because it is cheap, familiar, and easy to eat, and is seen as healthier than beef or pork.
The new Croydon store will bring Dave’s Hot Chicken’s spicy flavours to more Londoners and help it grow as a UK favourite.
