Dave’s Hot Chicken opens second Charlotte location in University City

Why it matters: The LA-based chain is entering the Charlotte market aggressively, with up to a dozen locations planned. The restaurant’s first area location quickly became a popular spot after opening last September off The Plaza.

Details: The new Dave’s is a 2,500-square-foot restaurant is at 8932 J M Keynes Dr., just off North Tryon.

• It will be open Sunday-Thursday from 11am-11pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am-12am.
• Each Dave’s has a similar vibe, with colorful graffiti walls, bright red chairs and upbeat music bumping inside.

Menu: Dave’s offers seven levels, ranging from the extremely spicy reaper flavor to no spice at all.

• You can choose from combinations of chicken tenders, sliders, a mix of both or one slider. All come with crinkle-cut fries.

Backstory: Dave’s started as a street-food pop-up in a California parking lot. Today, it boasts a cult-like following. The restaurant has locations all over North America, from Las Vegas to Orlando to Toronto.

What’s next: Local owners Nick and Nicole Smith, who also own more than a dozen local Jersey Mike’s locations, have said they plan to open 12 Dave’s restaurants over the next five years. The Smiths “have several deals we are working on” for new Dave’s locations, Nick tells Axios.