Can we already declare that 2025 is going to be the year of chicken? That’s likely to be the case in Calgary, 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 YYC with the opening of Chick-fil-A drawing in a 12-hour line. 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 has signed leases on three Calgary outposts, which are slated to open this spring.
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 also been rapidly expanding outside North America, opening its 250th location in London, UK, late last year.
While Calgarians won’t have to wait too long to get their hands on grub from Dave’s, the first Alberta outpost is set to open in Edmonton in early 2025.
Stay tuned for more details on the exciting new development!
Still hungry? Discover Dished Calgary on TikTok