Dave's Hot Chicken has officially opened its doors in Liverpool ONE, bringing its famous Nashville-style hot chicken to the North West for the first time. The fast-casual restaurant, located on Lord Street, began serving customers at 12pm on Friday, July 17, following months of anticipation.
Grand Opening and Free Giveaways
The launch was preceded by a successful giveaway last week, when 400 free menu items were handed out to fans outside the restaurant. On opening day, another 200 free items were offered to the first people in line. The team at Dave's Hot Chicken celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting event, as seen in photographs captured by the ECHO's Andy Teebay.
The Spice Scale and Famous Reaper Level
The restaurant is best known for its fresh-to-order chicken tenders and sliders, available across a seven-level spice scale. The levels range from "Not Hot" to the infamous "Reaper" level, which is so fiery that customers are required to sign a waiver before ordering. This extreme spice option has become a hallmark of the brand, attracting thrill-seeking diners.
Menu Highlights
Alongside its signature chicken, the Liverpool menu features mac and cheese, kale slaw, loaded fries, and the brand's new saucy bites. For dessert, customers can enjoy loaded shakes and fruity slushes. The venue offers both sit-in and take-out options, and the interior is filled with Liverpool references, including graffiti and a take on The Beatles.
From Pop-Up to Global Phenomenon
Dave's Hot Chicken was founded in Los Angeles in 2017 by four childhood friends who started with just $900 and a pop-up in a car park. Their Nashville hot chicken quickly became a social media sensation, and the concept expanded across the United States. Today, the chain has more than 300 locations worldwide and counts celebrities including rapper Drake among its investors.
Liverpool as the Seventh UK Location
Liverpool marks the brand's seventh UK restaurant, joining sites in London, Sheffield, Birmingham, Stevenage, and Shaftesbury. The new restaurant has taken over the former Poundland unit at Liverpool ONE and sits just metres from fellow chicken chains KFC, Popeyes, and Wingstop, adding another heavyweight to the city's increasingly competitive fried chicken scene.
Liverpool's Chicken Street
The opening solidifies Lord Street's reputation as Liverpool's "Chicken Street," with multiple fried chicken chains now operating in close proximity. Dave's Hot Chicken's arrival brings a unique American-style hot chicken experience to the area, complete with a signature American feel and a menu that appeals to both locals and visitors.
