Dave's Hot Chicken Appoints Joshua Liggins as VP of Franchise Development to Boost Global Expansion
Dave's Hot Chicken Enters a New Phase of Growth
In an exciting development for fans of Nashville-style hot chicken, Dave's Hot Chicken has welcomed Joshua Liggins as the new Vice President of Franchise Development. This strategic appointment signifies a pivotal moment for the rapidly expanding brand as it targets aggressive growth in 2026 and beyond.
A Leader with Proven Expertise
Joshua Liggins arrives at Dave's Hot Chicken with impressive credentials. His extensive background in franchise development includes leadership roles at prominent brands like Dunkin', Baskin-Robbins, and Sonic under the Inspire Brands umbrella. His track record in scaling franchise operations makes him an invaluable asset as Dave's embarks on its ambitious growth journey.
Liggins expressed his enthusiasm about joining the brand, stating, "Dave's is a home run of a brand. The sales-to-investment ratios and the commitment from franchisees speak volumes about its potential. With a simple yet effective menu and a vibrant atmosphere, we're just getting started in terms of what we can achieve."
Strategic Growth Focus
In his new role, Liggins is set to prioritize the support of existing franchisees while also spearheading the exploration of new market opportunities. He plans to adopt a data-driven approach to identify high-potential areas for expansion and to lay the groundwork for future developments that align with the brand's long-term vision. As most domestic markets are already saturated, the focus will be on executing current agreements and seeking out valuable locations that meet Dave's high-performance standards.
International development is also a critical component of Liggins’s strategy, building on recent partnerships, including one with the Azzurri Group in Europe. This initiative aims to engage experienced operators capable of rolling out franchises in various global markets, ensuring that the brand maintains its standard of quality and operational integrity.
The Recipe for Success
With a distinctive menu that features Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and a variety of spice levels, Dave's Hot Chicken has already made a significant impact on the U.S. restaurant landscape. Their offerings also include delicious sides like house-made kale slaw, creamy mac and cheese, and seasoned fries.
The brand, founded in 2017 by childhood friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Tommy Rubenyan, began as a modest parking lot pop-up before rapidly finding success. Just a few years later, their franchise model gained traction with the help of investors including celebrities like Drake and Usher, pushing the total number of sold franchise rights to over 1,020 locations across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Canada.
Commitment to Excellence
As Dave's Hot Chicken enhances its leadership team, CEO Jim Bitticks highlighted the importance of Liggins's addition. He stated, "With his comprehensive franchising experience and a methodical approach to development, Joshua will play a vital role in our efforts to expand both domestically and internationally."
In conclusion, with Joshua Liggins at the helm of franchise development, Dave's Hot Chicken is poised for brighter horizons. As the brand continues to win over dining enthusiasts with its mouth-watering dishes, the focus will remain on scaling operations responsibly while delivering exceptional experiences to diners worldwide. To stay updated on the latest from Dave's Hot Chicken and explore franchise opportunities, visit their website.