Dave’s Hot Chicken Takes Number One in Fast Casual’s Annual “Top 100 Movers & Shakers” List

Dave’s Hot Chicken announced today it was ranked number one on Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers & Shakers” list. The Nashville-style hot chicken brand with a cult-like following rose four spots on the 2023 Fast Casual list from its 2022 ranking as number five. Bill Phelps, who joined Dave’s Hot Chicken in 2019 as CEO and has been the catalyst behind the brand’s ascension, was also recognized again as a Top 25 Executive in Fast Casual’s report.

Dave’s Hot Chicken and Phelps both earned their recognition on this year’s list for their dedication to innovation, nimbleness and creativity, helping shape the future of fast-casual restaurants. Honorees for this year’s “Top 100 Movers & Shakers” list were announced on May 21st at the organization’s in-person gala at the LondonHouse in Chicago. This year, Dave’s Hot Chicken finished ahead of several other well-known brands, including Chipotle, Wingstop and Sweet Green.

“It’s an honor for Dave’s Hot Chicken to be named number one in the 2023 Fast Casual Movers & Shakers, and to be ranked among the other top fast casual restaurant concepts and executives in the country,” said Phelps.

For nearly 20 years, Fast Casual has provided its annual “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” ranking in acknowledgment of the nation’s most innovative, creative and successful restaurant brands and leaders. To earn a place on the list, hundreds of submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges who select 75 brands and 25 executives for recognition.

Founded by Arman Oganesyan and classically-trained chef Dave Kopushyan, along with brothers, Tommy and Gary Rubenyan in early 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up, with lines quickly wrapping around the block. Since then, the brand has exploded in popularity and now has locations in the United States and Canada.