Dave’s Hot Chicken is planning to open on the ground floor of One Central Plaza
Drake invested in 2021, joining other well-known investors, including actor Samuel L Jackson.
Keyana Mohammadi, head of marketing with the company in the UK, said Dublin was ‘one of Europe’s coolest cities’
Dave’s Hot Chicken, an American fast-food chain that has counted rapper Drake among its celebrity backers, is planning to launch a restaurant in the former Central Bank headquarters on Dame Street.
The plan for the Dublin outlet comes as reports emerge that the fried-chicken chain is exploring a sale of its UK and European franchises, according to Bloomberg.
Keyana Mohammadi, head of marketing with the company in the UK, said Dublin was ‘one of Europe’s coolest cities’
The company’s Irish subsidiary, Mind Blowing Chicken Ireland Limited, recently sent additional information to Dublin City Council regarding plans to open on the ground floor of One Central Plaza. The food group first lodged a planning application with the council in December.
Keyana Mohammadi, head of marketing in the UK, said Dublin was one of “Europe’s coolest cities”, with the company hoping to open several restaurants across the country.
“The food scene is thriving, so we feel now is the perfect time to land in the Emerald Isle. We are hoping it will be the first of many Irish Dave’s.
Samuel L Jackson. Photo: Getty
“This opening is an important part of our European growth, but it’s also about becoming part of the local community. We’re looking forward to welcoming Dubliners and sharing our take on Nashville-style hot chicken with them.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken was founded in 2017 as a pop-up in a Los Angeles parking lot. Drake invested in 2021, joining other well-known investors, including actor Samuel L Jackson.
Last June, private equity firm Roark Capital bought a majority stake in Dave’s in a deal valued at $1bn (€860m). Atlanta-based Roark bought the Subway sandwich chain in 2023.
Dave’s Hot Chicken’s UK and Irish expansion is being led by hospitality firm Azzurri Group, which aims to open 180 restaurants in 10 European countries.