Dave’s Hot Chicken To Open 180 Restaurants Across Europe

Dave’s Hot Chicken has signed a deal with U.K.-based Azzurri Group to develop 180 restaurants across 10 European countries. The countries include France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Italy and Turkey.

The deal stems from the success of Dave’s U.K. debut in London last year, the company says in the release. Since that opening, two additional locations, one in Birmingham and one in Manchester, have opened in the U.K.

Azzurri Group’s portfolio includes full-service Italian concepts ASK Italian and Zizzi, the quick-service Italian concept Coco di Mama and the Irish fast-casual Mexican brand Boojum. The group operates over 225 restaurants and stores.

“This agreement represents a major milestone in our global development strategy,” says Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s. “Azzurri has proven itself as a best-in-class operator with deep expertise in brand building and market execution. Their commitment to working alongside local partners gives us the scale, agility and cultural insight needed to expand in new territories.”

Earlier this year, Los Angeles-based Dave’s announced an investment from Roark Capital to help propel its growth. In an FER interview about international growth, Jim Bitticks, Dave’s president, says, “The franchisees we’ve been able to attract and sign have all been absolutely great, specifically when it comes to the international side.”