---
title: "Dave’s Hot Chicken Fires Up Expansion in Tennessee"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/f793813e-ea9e-4ac4-a3b9-49cea4876bb1
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260508_daves_hot_chicken_fires_up_expansion_in_tennessee.html
category: "Chicken"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Chicken"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-05-08T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T16:11:29.569Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Dave’s Hot Chicken Fires Up Expansion in Tennessee

**TL;DR:** Dave's Hot Chicken is expanding in Tennessee with its Nashville-style hot chicken concept. The expansion is led by longtime operators Jason and John Hotchkiss, alongside their brother-in-law Paul Gorman and other family members.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-05-08. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260508_daves_hot_chicken_fires_up_expansion_in_tennessee.html).*

## Story

The concept originated in Los Angeles and features Nashville-style hot chicken within a fast-casual format, reflecting the roots of Nashville Hot Chicken while delivering bold flavors and a chef-inspired, fast-casual experience.

Longtime Dave’s Hot Chicken operators and brothers Jason and John Hotchkiss, alongside their brother-in-law, Paul Gorman, lead the group’s portfolio. The multi-generational group also includes Jason’s son, Ryan Hotchkiss, and their operating partner, Mike Van Slambrouck, who will support the venture and oversee the operations of the new locations.

“This opportunity represents a major step forward for our family as we continue to build a multi-generational business together,” said Jason Hotchkiss. “What started as a new venture to grow with Dave’s Hot Chicken has evolved into something much bigger, establishing a lasting family legacy. We’re thrilled to expand into Nashville, and to bring the energy and culture of Dave’s Hot Chicken to the community.”

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. Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a robust business model, including national and local marketing support, proven systems, manuals, operating procedures, and assistance with site selection.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- unit expansion (topic)
- QSR (sector)
- fast casual (topic)
- family business (topic)
- Tennessee (location)
- Dave's Hot Chicken (company)
- Dave Kopushyan (person)
- Arman Oganesyan (person)
- Gary Rubenyan (person)
- Tommy Rubenyan (person)
- John Hotchkiss (person)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260508_daves_hot_chicken_fires_up_expansion_in_tennessee.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/f793813e-ea9e-4ac4-a3b9-49cea4876bb1).