---
title: "Dave’s Hot Chicken Signs 14-Unit Deal in Wisconsin"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/cf124fc0-1bcd-46a4-a84a-b52d8b80cf19
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20211102_daves_hot_chicken_signs_14unit_deal_in_wisconsin.html
category: "Restaurants"
industry: "Restaurants"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2021-11-02T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T02:15:35.699Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504674900247-0877df9cc836?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Dave’s Hot Chicken Signs 14-Unit Deal in Wisconsin

**TL;DR:** Dave's Hot Chicken signs a 14-unit deal in Wisconsin to expand its presence in the state. The deal is led by operators Mike and Ron, who also lead the largest Qdoba franchise in the country.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2021-11-02. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20211102_daves_hot_chicken_signs_14unit_deal_in_wisconsin.html).*

## Story

“Operators like Mike and Ron have the right kind of business acumen and knowledge of the area to help us establish a solid base,” said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken. “I’m excited for the people of Wisconsin to try our product and believe in the hype we’ve generated.”

“I’ve been following the growth of Dave’s lately and, after doing my due diligence, knew this was the kind of brand we wanted to be a part of,” said Stokes. “The Nashville hot chicken category is huge right now and Dave’s is on the forefront of it. We are excited to bring the intense flavorings that Dave’s has to offer to Wisconsin for more people to enjoy.”

In addition to this deal with Dave’s Hot Chicken, Pranke and Stokes lead the largest Qdoba franchise in the country, with 58 stores across Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.

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.

“I wanted to make sure we were aligned with an experienced operator as we made our entrance into Wisconsin, and I’m thrilled to bring on someone like Mike and Ron to do so,” said Shannon Swenson, VP of Franchise Development at Dave’s Hot Chicken. “With their proven track record with other restaurant brands, I’m confident in their ability to launch Dave’s Hot Chicken in the state.”

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)
- franchise deal (topic)
- restaurant growth (topic)
- Wisconsin (location)
- Dave's Hot Chicken (company)
- Qdoba (company)
- Bill Phelps (person)
- Dave Kopushyan (person)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20211102_daves_hot_chicken_signs_14unit_deal_in_wisconsin.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/cf124fc0-1bcd-46a4-a84a-b52d8b80cf19).