Manal Saleh

The LA sensation lands in the capital, bringing bold flavors to Marina Mall.

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi – 18th September 2025. Dave’s Hot Chicken, the cult-favorite LA-born brand known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, has officially landed in Abu Dhabi with the grand opening of its newest branch at Marina Mall. This highly anticipated launch marks the brand’s debut in the capital, bringing its bold flavors and signature heat to one of the UAE’s most vibrant culinary hubs.

Walid Hajj, CEO of Lavoya Group, stated: “We’re incredibly excited to open our doors in Abu Dhabi, especially in a landmark location like Marina Mall. This marks our first location in the capital, and it's a significant milestone for the brand's journey in the UAE. The response to Dave’s Hot Chicken across the UAE has been overwhelming, and expanding into the capital is a natural next step in regional growth. We’re here to bring fans our crave-worthy menu, while also introducing new audiences to the bold experience that defines Dave’s Hot Chicken.”



The Abu Dhabi launch reinforces Lavoya Group’s commitment to catering to its growing fan base across the UAE and expanding its presence in key markets. With a continued focus on accessibility and innovation, the new Marina Mall branch is strategically positioned to serve both residents and tourists in the heart of the city.

Known for its Hot Chicken Sliders, Tenders and Dave’s Bites, the brand offers a build-your-own-heat experience with seven spice levels, from No Spice to the infamous Reaper™, a fiery challenge that even comes with a signed waiver. Sides like creamy Mac & Cheese, fresh Kale Slaw, Top-Loaded Fries, and loaded milkshakes round out the menu, making it a destination for flavor seekers of all kinds!

The Marina Mall branch delivers the unmistakable Dave’s Hot Chicken vibe. Designed to welcome both groups and solo diners, the space offers energetic indoor seating alongside a relaxed outdoor area, perfect for everything from weekend hangouts to mid-shopping fuel-ups. This opening marks another milestone in the brand’s UAE journey, with more exciting expansions on the horizon, including a second Abu Dhabi location set to open soon in Yas Mall.

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About Dave’s Hot Chicken

In a modern-day American dream story, three childhood friends, Chef Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Tommy Rubenyan, scraped together $900 to launch Dave’s Hot Chicken in a parking lot, portable fryers and folding tables in tow, in 2017. Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly took off, opening an East Hollywood brick-and-mortar restaurant shortly after, with support from Tommy’s brother, Gary. In 2019, the team struck a deal with Wetzel’s Pretzels co-founder and former CEO, Bill Phelps, to begin franchising the Dave’s Hot Chicken concept, with Billboard’s Artist of the Decade, Drake, investing in the brand as well. The company has sold the rights to more than 1,000 franchise locations in the U.S., Middle East, and Canada and will open 80-plus locations this year. Harkening back to an Eater LA blog that helped propel early interest in the brand; the company’s mission is to “blow their minds.” 

Instagram: @daveshotchickengcc

Website: https://www.daveshotchicken.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daveshotchickengcc

 

About Lavoya

Established with the purpose of significantly transforming dining experiences, Lavoya introduces new and experiential casual dining concepts to reshape the F&B industry in the region. The company’s name and mission, based on their ‘Food for Thought’ slogan, signifies momentum, optimism and positive experiences. Lavoya was co-founded by Walid Hajj and Fahad Alhokair in 2021. A visionary and award-winning entrepreneur, Walid Hajj has defined his unique imprint in the F&B space creating innovative concepts that have disrupted the industry, establishing his credentials as a pioneer in F&B concepts that integrate advanced technology with exceptional service. Fahad Alhokair is a dynamic and successful Saudi entrepreneur with experience in franchise development, start-ups, operations and investment. He is also the founder of VEDA Holding, a private equity and venture capital firm based in Riyadh that supports more than 15 startups and mature companies in fashion, retail, real estate and F&B and contributes to their development and innovation by providing value and growth capital.

 

Instagram: @lavoyarestaurants

Facebook: @lavoyarestaurants

LinkedIn: @Lavoyarestaurantsgroup

Website: www.lavoya.com