Floridians who like chicken but want someone else to fry it up have plenty of options. From grocery stores to vintage options like FKC and Popeye’s or newer options like PDQ. However, one specialty option is the newer genre of hot chicken chains. I’ve written about chains like Chicken Fire, HCK Hot Chicken, and Dave’s Hot Chicken in Florida. And Florida will be getting a new location of the latter.
About Dave’s Hot Chicken: Many chains have humble beginnings, but this chain might take the cake. This eatery started when three friends pooled together $900 and served hot chicken in a parking lot off of folding dining tables. A reporter came, the eatery became Instagram popular, and the rest is history.
As you might suspect, Dave’s is all about the spice. There are no fewer than seven levels of spice that range from no spice at all to the “reaper,” which is so hot that it requires a signed waiver.
The popular slider is served on a potato roll with large slices of sweet pickle. Optional sides include crinkle fries, macaroni and cheese, or kale salad.