Dave’s Hot Chicken, a fast-food chicken restaurant, announced it will be opening five locations throughout the cities of Jacksonville and Gainesville.  

The locations will be owned and operated by local entrepreneurs, Tim Jensen, Jesse Allen, Andrew Hamerling and Tom Devine. The group currently owns and operates several Jersey Mike’s locations in the region.  

“As we join forces with the Northeast Florida group, we see this as a notable step toward elevating our brand’s presence in dynamic markets across the country,” said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, in a press release. “We look forward to being an integral part of Florida’s ever-evolving food scene as we diversify the culinary landscape with the bold flavors of Dave’s Hot Chicken.” 

Dave’s Hot Chicken serves fried chicken tenders and sandwiches in seven spices levels from no spice to reaper. The restaurants also serve fries, coleslaw and milkshakes. 

Founded by Arman Oganesyan and Dave Kopushyan, along with brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan, in early 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up. Since then, the brand has exploded in popularity and now has over 160 locations in the United States and Canada. 

A date has not been set for when the Gainesville location will open.