Inside Oregon’s First Dave’s Hot Chicken Location, Open April 30

The California-born hot chicken chain Dave’s continues its massive national expansion efforts this week, opening its first Oregon location in Tualatin April 30. Dave’s Hot Chicken, which started as a late-night hot chicken stand in East Hollywood, has flown far from its parking lot roots: The shop has opened locations everywhere from Canada to San Diego, and it’s not slowing down. The company plans to open at least five locations in the greater Portland area within the next few years.

Back in 2017, Arman Oganesyan, David Kopushyan, Tommy Rubenyan, and Gary Rubenyan set up a tent on Hollywood Boulevard and started frying tenders. They’d toss the tenders in a mixing bowl full of spices, slap them on white bread, and pass them out in takeout containers, which Angelenos would eat sitting at tablecloth-lined folding tables set up feet from the fryer. Within a matter of months, the group had its first brick-and-mortar location; almost four years after that first pop-up, Dave’s operates 11 locations, with its Oregon locale clocking in as number 12.

The company’s first Oregon location, a standalone spot at 7715 SW Nyberg Street, will serve the dishes served at that initial pop-up: Brined, fried chicken tenders, tossed in a spice blend, in one of seven distinct spice levels — as opposed to just adding more of one particular chile for each spice level, the company makes distinct spice blends for each level. The restaurant’s reaper blend, the highest spice level, requires a signed waiver from those who want to try it. Those tenders come with pickles and white bread, as well as a few sides: Mac and cheese, the pop-up’s original kale slaw, fries with or without a molten layer of cheese sauce. The tenders now come in sliders, as well, which come with pickles and slaw as well as a typical special sauce.

As is typical for other Dave’s locations, the interiors of the Portland space are lined with murals distinct to this location, designed by Splatterhaus and Dehmq; the murals range from the abstract to a depiction of Tilikum Crossing, with wood paneling and brick-red stools for the restaurant’s few indoor tables. Indoor dining will not be on the table during its opening week, however; the company is planning to start with patio seating and takeout, eventually adding in indoor dining and delivery options.

Also coming down the line: More Dave’s locations. The chain already has a second location lined up at Cedar Hills Crossing in Beaverton, near the newly opened Shake Shack; that location won’t open until the fall of 2021. The company is eyeing other locations to open in 2022, as well.

The brand’s first Oregon restaurant will open Friday, April 30 at 11 a.m., closing at midnight.

Dave’s Hot Chicken / Official

Dave’s Hot Chicken / Official

Dave’s Hot Chicken / Official

• Dave’s Hot Chicken [Official]
• A California Hot Chicken Sensation Is Opening a Storefront in Tualatin [EPDX]
• East Hollywood’s New Late-Night Hot Chicken Stand Might Blow Your Mind [ELA]