Can we already declare that 2025 is going to be the year of chicken? That’s likely to be the case in Edmonton, anyway, with the opening of one of the world’s most well-known and loved hot chicken chains on the horizon.
Last year, the chicken hype was already building in YEG with the opening of several Chick-fil-A locations around the city. However, 2025 is set to be the year of Dave’s Hot Chicken.
We can officially start to get excited as the LA-founded hot chicken chain confirmed to Dished that it would be opening its first Alberta location in Edmonton early this year.
The spot, which started in an East Hollywood parking lot in 2017, is known for its crispy chicken tenders and sliders. Its chicken can also be customized to different heat levels, from zero spice right up to its legendary tear-inducing “Reaper” heat.
It also offers fries, kale slaw, and real ice cream milkshakes as an antidote to the serious spice levels.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has been teasing its expansion across Canada for a while, having opened its first Toronto location in early 2021. It now operates several locations in Ontario, and its Canadian connection has been furthered by rapper Drake, who bought a stake in the company in 2021.
The chain has been rapidly expanding outside North America, opening its 250th location in London, UK, late last year.
While Edmonton will be the first Alberta location to open, Calgary won’t be far behind, with the company confirming that three leases have been signed for Dave’s outposts in the city that are slated to open in the spring.
Stay tuned for more details on the exciting new development!
Still hungry? Discover Dished Edmonton on TikTok