Dave’s Hot Chicken signs 28-unit deal to bring new locations to Indiana and Ohio

The deal has been signed with a prominent multi-unit franchising group, that also owns 45 Pizza Hut restaurants.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, the fried chicken franchise with backing from the likes of movie producer John Davis, California First Lady Maria Shriver, and actor Samuel L. Jackson, has signed a development agreement with Tyler Freeland, Todd Hollman, and Matt Fortney to open 28 restaurants throughout Indiana and Ohio.

The group already own and operate 45 Pizza Hut locations in northeast and central Indiana, and will add 15 Dave’s Hot Chicken sites to Indiana, and 13 in Ohio, expected to open in the Columbus area.

This aligns with the plans Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Bill Phelps told us about earlier this year, when he announced the brand was aiming for an additional 300 units signed up in 2021.

“As we continue to expand in key markets throughout the Midwest, it’s vital that we partner with seasoned operators like Tyler, Todd and Matt to ensure success right out of the gate,” said Bill Phelps, CEO. “Their multi-unit experience is invaluable as we introduce the craveable food of Dave’s Hot Chicken to more people in Indiana and Ohio.”

“In addition to the delicious food that Dave’s Hot Chicken has to offer, what really stood out to Todd, Matt and me, is how people-focused the brand is. It’s one of the many factors that made the franchise opportunity so intriguing” added Freeland. “There’s a wealth of potential in these markets to grow Dave’s Hot Chicken and our team is excited to tap into it.”