Dave’s Hot Chicken Expands Saudi Arabia Presence with First Al Khobar Branch

Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia – July 2026: Dave’s Hot Chicken, the fast-growing Nashville hot chicken brand born in Los Angeles, is continuing its expansion in Saudi Arabia with the opening of its first restaurant in Al Khobar at Grand House on July 30. Marking the brand’s sixth location in the Kingdom, the new restaurant reflects Dave’s Hot Chicken’s ongoing commitment to bringing its signature Nashville hot chicken experience to more communities across Saudi Arabia.

As one of the Kingdom’s coastal lifestyle hubs, Al Khobar offers an important addition to Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Saudi growth journey, introducing customers in the Eastern Province to the brand’s globally recognised take on Nashville chicken style.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has gained international recognition for its bold flavours, Nashville hot chicken, and customizable spice levels from Not Hot to the daring Reaper™, which requires signing a waiver. Al Khobar’s residents and visitors can now explore Dave’s signature menu, which includes juicy sliders, crispy tenders, and saucy bites, complemented by sides such as mac & cheese, kale slaw, loaded fries, Hot Mozz, creamy slushers, and indulgent loaded shakes.

Najib Yaacoub, Chief Operating Officer at Lavoya Restaurants Group, said: “Al Khobar represents an important milestone in Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Saudi Arabia growth strategy, as we continue to expand our presence in key markets across the Kingdom. The opening reflects our long-term commitment to investing in KSA’s dynamic food and beverage sector, while bringing a globally recognised concept that resonates with today’s evolving customer expectations and preferences. As the Kingdom advances its Vision 2030 ambitions, we are proud to play a role in enriching the culinary landscape through unique dining experiences and continued investment in local communities.”

Through its continued expansion, and available for Dine-in, take away and delivery, Dave’s Hot Chicken aims to bring people together through its approach to fast-casual dining, offering a memorable experience built around bold flavours, high-quality ingredients, and warm hospitality.  ​

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.”

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.