Feb 12, 2025 - Business

Dave's Hot Chicken reportedly seeks a buyer

Dan Primack

Dave's Hot Chicken meal — Photo:Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post via Getty Images).

Dave's Hot Chicken is seeking a buyer that could value the fast-casual chain at around $1 billion, per Reuters.

Why it matters: Hot chicken has quickly spread from Nashville novelty to nationwide phenomenon, with even legacy chains like KFC joining the trend.

It also may provide a rich return for celeb investors like Drake, who could really use a win this week.

By the numbers: Dave's, which began as a parking lot pop-up in 2017, operates over 250 global stores.

Zoom in: Expect private equity to have interest, despite rising labor costs and avian flu concerns.

The bottom line: Sometimes you've got to strike when the chicken is hot.

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Dave's Hot Chicken reportedly seeks a buyer

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