---
title: "Dave’s Hot Chicken to Bring 10 Units Across the I-35 Corridor with New Development Deal"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/2da00c4a-389f-4fe0-8c25-14e66adee8e2
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20210708_daves_hot_chicken_to_bring_10_units_across_the_i35_corridor_with_new_develo.html
category: "Chicken"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Chicken"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2021-07-08T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T02:28:00.147Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561758033-d89a9ad46330?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Dave’s Hot Chicken to Bring 10 Units Across the I-35 Corridor with New Development Deal

**TL;DR:** Dave's Hot Chicken has partnered with Drew Wilson, Joe Dickerson, Craig Smith, and Casey Klajbor to open 10 locations in Texas along the I-35 Corridor. The group brings extensive experience from various backgrounds, including the restaurant and entertainment industries.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2021-07-08. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20210708_daves_hot_chicken_to_bring_10_units_across_the_i35_corridor_with_new_develo.html).*

## Story

“Drew, Joe, Craig and Casey bring a lot of great credentials with them to Dave’s Hot Chicken. The enthusiasm they have for the brand is palpable, too,” said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “Their experience and enthusiasm will be vital as we grow our presence in Texas.”

The Dave’s Hot Chicken model works well in a variety of floor plans. The team is seeking 2,000 to 2,500 square feet endcaps and freestanding locations, with patio’s and drive-thru infrastructure a plus.

“I fell in love with the Dave’s Hot Chicken brand and after the first bite of the slider, I was hooked. Each restaurant is outfitted with a hip vibe and unique feel that is representative of the community it is located in, and I was deeply drawn to that because it shows that no two stores are the same,” said Wilson. “They have a strong team full of top-notch individuals who are great to work with. Our team looks forward to going on this journey full of passion and purpose.”

The group brings extensive experience from a variety of backgrounds. Smith and Klajbor currently own and operate multiple Rockin’ Jump Trampoline parks and are both veterans, with Smith serving in the Air Force and Klajbor in the Marine Corps. Wilson was the founder and former CEO of Rockin’ Jump, a trampoline park franchise that included a café within the entertainment center at each location, before starting a finance company that he’s been involved in for the last few years.

Dickerson is an entrepreneur and investor with extensive operational experience in the restaurant space. He is an adjunct professor in the Department of Entrepreneurship at the Texas Christian University Neeley School of Business. All four have been friends and partners for years, working together on multiple ventures and investments.

Founded by classically-trained chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends in early 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up, with lines quickly wrapping around the block.

Specializing in hot chicken tenders and sliders, with spice levels ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper,” each restaurant also serves sides of house-made Kale Slaw, creamy Mac & Cheese and crispy Fries or Cheese Fries.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- unit expansion (topic)
- texas (location)
- restaurant growth (topic)
- Dave's Hot Chicken (company)
- Marine Corps (company)
- Bill Phelps (person)
- Dave Kopushyan (person)
- development deal (topic)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20210708_daves_hot_chicken_to_bring_10_units_across_the_i35_corridor_with_new_develo.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/2da00c4a-389f-4fe0-8c25-14e66adee8e2).