Joshua Liggins Wants to Keep the Magic Going at Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken gears up for major growth under new franchise development VP.
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Joshua Liggins, the new VP of franchise development for Dave’s Hot Chicken, outlines aggressive growth plans for the brand. Starting in 2023 with 92 locations, Dave’s has since expanded to 358 restaurants, aiming for 131 new franchised outlets in 2026 across high-demand territories like Massachusetts and New York.
Why It Matters
This expansion may compress available territories in New York and Massachusetts, impacting franchisee competition and market entry for new operators in these key areas.
Joshua Liggins has recently taken on the role of Vice President of Franchise Development at Dave’s Hot Chicken, following a successful history in franchise operations at Inspire Brands and various other chains. Under Liggins's direction, the brand is poised for significant expansion, having started the year with 92 locations. In 2023, Dave’s Hot Chicken added a total of 120 new restaurants, bringing its total to 358 locations, comprised of 348 franchised outlets and 10 corporate restaurants. Notably, the franchised segment has seen a remarkable increase from 88 to 348 locations.
Looking ahead, Dave’s plans to open an additional 131 franchised restaurants by 2026, with current agreements signed for 52 locations yet to launch. The most robust expansion is expected in Massachusetts and New York, each projected to gain 10 new outlets, followed by Florida (nine) and North Carolina (eight). This rapid unit growth and strategic geographical focus indicate strong system health and brand appeal within the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector.
Liggins remarked on the brand’s dynamic approach to growth, stating, “If you didn’t know any better, you’d think, oh man, this is a brand that’s not at the top,” emphasizing that the team’s diligent efforts suggest a company keen to maintain its upward momentum. This perspective reflects the ethos of Dave’s Hot Chicken, originally a late-night pop-up in East Hollywood, which has transformed into a widely recognized success story attracting investments from notable celebrities like Drake and Michael Strahan.
