Dave’s Hot Chicken will join the Manhattan fast food scene late this year, according to an announcement from the company.
A job listing for general manager of the restaurant lists its future location as 214 Leavenworth St. — the former location of Taco John’s, which closed Feb. 23.
The chain also announced a location coming to the east side of Wichita at 2692 N Greenwich Road in the Greenwich Place shopping center, with an anticipated opening in August 2026. Additional restaurants are planned in Lawrence, Topeka and west Wichita, with openings expected throughout 2026.
“This opportunity represents a major step forward for our family as we continue to build a multi-generational business together,” said Jason Hotchkiss, one of the restaurant’s operators. “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 Manhattan and Wichita and to bring the energy and culture of Dave’s Hot Chicken to each of these communities.”
Founded in Los Angeles by Arman Oganesyan and 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 serving Nashville-style hot chicken.
“Expanding into three different regions with an experienced team is a vast milestone for us,” said Jim Bitticks, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken.
Business representatives said they plan to continue expanding to key markets like Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.