The fried chicken craze sweeping Tampa and St. Petersburg is now making its way to Pasco County. The area will soon welcome its third Dave’s Hot Chicken location, according to franchise co-owner Ian Liberman, who shared the news with Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
Liberman and his brother Adam, who also own several local Fuzzy’s Taco Shop franchises, previously announced plans to bring eight Dave’s Hot Chicken locations to the Tampa Bay area. The new Pasco County restaurant, located at 13446 Pine Gap Spur in Starkey Ranch, is slated to open in April 2025.
This latest location will join two existing Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants in Tampa. The first opened in July 2023 on Fowler Avenue near the University of South Florida. A second location followed less than a year later, opening at 2961 N Dale Mabry Highway, just south of Raymond James Stadium.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has seen rapid growth, now boasting 14 locations throughout Florida, according to its official website.
The menu features seven spice levels, culminating in the infamous “Reaper,” which comes with a bold disclaimer: “(Yes it is hot!) Eat it at your own risk.” Guests can try the Reaper spice on tenders, bites, or sliders. For those seeking relief from the heat, Dave’s also offers indulgent milkshakes in flavors like Oreo, M&M, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
With its continued expansion, Dave’s Hot Chicken is solidifying its presence as a favorite among spicy chicken enthusiasts in the Sunshine State.