A major American fast food chain is set to launch in Ireland with Dave’s Hot Chicken, a spicy dish so spicy you’ll have to sign a waiver

American fast food chain SPICY Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to expand into Ireland, joining another fan favourite.

The popular American restaurant chain has announced plans to expand to 60 restaurants in the UK and Republic of Ireland as part of its expansion.

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The US company is now entering the Irish and UK markets by partnering with restaurant investor Azzurri, which operates Zizzi, ASK Italian and popular Irish Mexican fast food restaurant Boojum.

Plans are underway to open the first restaurant in London early next year, while the company is set to gradually open more outlets across the UK and Ireland.

London’s first restaurant will offer chicken lovers the chance to try their popular signature blend of spicy chicken made to order that has taken the US by storm.

While 60 food outlets are planned to open as part of its rapid expansion across the two markets, it has not yet been announced how many of these will be located in Ireland.

The establishment started as a pop-up in Hollywood in 2017 and quickly gained popularity among younger generations as it is now the fastest growing chain in the United States, with more than 230 stores open across the country.

They’ve expanded across the globe, with over 500 locations open in the Middle East and Canada – and they plan to open over 90 locations this year.

The restaurant gained popularity due to its unique marketing and wide range of spices ranging from No Spice to Reaper – a spice that requires customers to sign a waiver before ordering.

They are well known for their focus on quality, organic ingredients and authentic foods, as they source primarily fresh chicken from local farms and use a secret blend of spices to create their signature hot chicken.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has investments from many popular celebrities, including Samuel L. Jackson, Usher, and Drake.

Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, said, “We know there is an opportunity to make Dave’s Hot Chicken one of the most iconic restaurant brands, and we are doing that by partnering with incredible operators, like Azzurri Group.”

Steve Holmes, CEO of the Azzurri Group, said: “When we first tried Dave’s Hot Chicken we were blown away as it was one of the most mouth-watering and delicious dishes we have ever had.

“We are delighted to bring this incredible brand to the UK (and Ireland) and to be their partner in this ambitious rollout.”

WENDY’S EXPANSION ACROSS EUROPE

The move comes after legendary fast food chain Wendy’s pledged to launch hundreds of restaurants across Europe over the next decade – and Ireland is part of that expansion.

Plans to open in the Republic of Ireland, as well as in Romania, are underway for 2025.

The company returned to the UK in 2021 and expects to have up to 50 restaurants across the Atlantic by the end of the year.

Known and loved for their square beef patties, other favorites include chili, baked potatoes and their frozen dessert.

Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas opened the first Wendy’s restaurant in 1969 and the Wendy character is now recognizable around the world.

A spokesperson said, “Wendy’s offers a wide range of signature dishes that fans know and love, including the Baconator®, Dave’s Single™, Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Frosty® dessert, which is thick enough to use a spoon and smooth enough to use a straw.”

With 7,000 Wendy’s restaurants worldwide, the company is actively recruiting established franchise candidates in European markets.

They are looking for someone with strong operational experience, local development expertise and a proven track record of growing brands at an accelerated pace.

The spokesperson added: “Dave’s core values ​​of ‘quality is our recipe,’ ‘do the right thing,’ and ‘treat people with respect,’ remain the guiding light of the Wendy’s system today.

“Today, Wendy’s and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people in more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide, with a vision to become the world’s most successful and beloved restaurant brand.”