After ‘banner’ year in Meridian, breakout chain to open 2nd Idaho restaurant. Boise? Nope

When Doug Davis brought Dave’s Hot Chicken to Meridian in December 2022, he had a good feeling.

After all, rapper Drake had partnered with the California-based chain. Actor Samuel L. Jackson had invested in it. Industry magazine QSR named Dave’s the “Breakout Brand” of the year in an article suggesting it “might just be one of the fastest-growing franchises in restaurant history.”

Davis is feeling even better now.

“We’ve had a banner year,” he explained. “It’s just been great. It was better than we had expected. We knew it would be strong, but not that strong.”

Now Davis and his wife, Amy — the Idaho franchisees — will bring Dave’s to Nampa. Targeting the first week of June to open, Idaho’s second Dave’s will take over a spot at 16365 N. Marketplace Blvd. in the Treasure Valley Marketplace. It’s the former home of Sodalicious and Perfect Look Hair Salon.

This is mouthwatering news for fans of hot chicken — at least in Canyon County.

But if you live in the City of Trees, you’re probably wondering: Come on, man. Is Boise even on the radar?

“It is,” Davis promises. “It is. I definitely want to do one or two in Boise. It’s just a hard town to find the right location. Especially a drive-thru.”

Dave’s in Nampa won’t offer a drive-thru. The logistics weren’t optimal, Davis says. Instead, it will feature a walk-up window, in addition to seating inside and available parking. The restaurant’s interior will have the same street-art vibe as the Meridian store.

But when Dave’s does come to Boise — Davis is aiming for the next year or two — a drive-thru will be a priority, he says. In Meridian, the drive-thru generates 40% of business.

“And it’s just constant,” Davis says. “All day, all night long.”

In the Treasure Valley, competition has quickly heated up in the growing hot-chicken segment. One newcomer, Idaho brand Clucks Nashville Hot Chicken, already vanished. Other chain stores, such as Burnin’ Mouth at The Village at Meridian, are formidable foes. “Burnin’ Mouth is actually pretty good,” Davis admits.

But right now, Boise hot-chicken aficionados probably are feeling a little jealous of Nampa.

Patience. Davis — the man who brought Buffalo Wild Wings to Idaho before parting ways with the brand in 2015 — has a deal to open at least four Dave’s Hot Chicken locations in five years.

“I will bring it to Boise,” he says. “I guarantee that.”