Founder & Head Chef
Dave Johnson
The visionary behind every heat level and spice blend, Dave brings 15+ years of culinary passion and Southern cooking tradition to every plate served at Dave's hot chicken.
Our Story
About Dave's Hot Chicken
Dave's hot chicken was born from a simple obsession — making the most craveable, boldly seasoned hot chicken in the United States. From a backyard pop-up to a beloved restaurant in Alpharetta, every bite tells our story.
2018
Founded with Fire
Our Company Story
How daves hot chicken Became a Legend
It all started in 2018 when Dave — a self-taught chef with a passion for bold Southern flavors — began experimenting with Nashville-style hot chicken in his home kitchen in Alpharetta, Georgia. Word spread fast. Friends became fans. Fans became a following. What began as a backyard weekend pop-up quickly evolved into a full-service restaurant, driven entirely by flavor, community, and a refusal to compromise on quality.
Today, Dave's hot chicken serves hundreds of guests daily at our Alpharetta location, offering everything from perfectly crispy tenders to our legendary chicken sandwiches — all made fresh, every single day.
Scratch-Made Every Day
Every marinade, spice blend, and sauce is made from scratch — no shortcuts, no compromises.
Community First
We're deeply rooted in Alpharetta and the surrounding United States communities we serve.
Quality Sourcing
We partner with local farms to source fresh, hormone-free chicken for every single order.
6+
Years of Flavor
50K+
Orders Served
5
Heat Levels
4.9★
Average Rating
What We Stand For
Our Mission & Core Values
At dave hot chicken, every decision — from sourcing to seasoning — is guided by a simple set of values that keep us honest, bold, and committed to our guests.
Bold Flavor
We never settle for bland. Every dish is crafted with a fearless commitment to flavor that makes your taste buds come alive.
Uncompromising Quality
From the first marinade to the final crunch, we hold every plate to the highest standard — because you deserve nothing less.
Community Love
We're neighbors, not just a restaurant. We invest in Alpharetta and the wider United States community that made us who we are.
Honest Ingredients
Real chicken, real spices, real care. We are transparent about what goes into every bite — because trust is earned at the table.
Our Mission
"To serve every guest a plate of fiercely delicious, honestly made hot chicken — cooked with passion, seasoned with tradition, and delivered with genuine warmth — so that every visit feels like coming home."
How We Got Here
Our History Timeline
Six years of bold flavors, fiery passion, and a relentless pursuit of the perfect hot chicken — here's how daves chicken grew from a backyard dream to a full restaurant.
2018
The Backyard Beginning
Dave starts hosting weekend chicken pop-ups at his Alpharetta home. A secret spice blend and word-of-mouth turn a hobby into a phenomenon. Lines stretch down the block.
2019
First Brick-and-Mortar Location
Dave's hot chicken opens its first restaurant at 11760 Haynes Bridge Rd, Alpharetta. The menu features five heat levels — from No Spice to Reaper — with a full lineup of sides and sauces.
2020
Adapting & Thriving
Despite global challenges, Dave's pivots to curbside and delivery, maintaining quality and safety while serving the community. Online orders surge 300% and a loyal fanbase grows nationwide.
2021
Catering & Events Launch
Dave's hot chicken introduces full-service catering for corporate events, weddings, and private parties across the United States, bringing fiery flavors to every occasion.
2022
Award-Winning Recognition
Named "Best Hot Chicken in Alpharetta" by local food critics. A feature in regional publications brings national attention and a flood of new guests eager to experience the heat.
2024
Franchise Program Launches
Dave's hot chicken opens its franchise program, empowering entrepreneurs across the United States to bring bold flavors and fiery chicken to their own communities.
The People Behind the Fire
Meet Our Team
Dave's hot chicken is more than a restaurant — it's a family of passionate cooks, hosts, and flavor enthusiasts dedicated to giving you an unforgettable experience.
Operations Manager
Maria Chen
Maria keeps everything running smoothly — from kitchen logistics to guest experience — ensuring every customer at dave hot chicken walks away completely satisfied.
Sous Chef & Pitmaster
Marcus Williams
Marcus obsesses over the perfect crust, oil temperature, and marination time — bringing deep Southern cooking knowledge and a love for daves hot chicken spice crafts.
Catering Director
Sarah Park
Sarah leads our catering division with precision and warmth — transforming events across Alpharetta and the United States into memorable experiences fueled by fiery flavors.
Ready to Taste the Story?
Don't Just Read About It —
Don't Just Read About It —
Experience Dave's Hot Chicken
Visit us at our Alpharetta location, place an order online, or book us for your next event. daves chicken is always fresh, always fiery, always worth it.