Dave’s Hot Chicken Plans Missoula Location

We don’t want to call it official, but the permit sure says something’s cooking.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has submitted paperwork for 2755 North Reserve Street on the City of Missoula’s building permit website. That address may sound familiar; it’s the former Fuddruckers, most recently MOD Pizza.

Read More: M80 Chicken's New Restaurant Brings Excitement To Missoula

No press release, no social media hype, no flashing “coming soon” banner, just one lonely permit quietly hanging out in the city’s database.

What's Dave's Hot Chicken?

The rapidly growing chain Dave’s Hot Chicken began as a parking lot pop-up in Los Angeles. Since then, it’s exploded across the U.S., with a little help from viral buzz and celebrity supporters like Drake. They’re known for Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders, served with heat levels from “Mild” to “Reaper,” for those who like a little danger with their lunch. If this permit means what we think it means, North Reserve is about to get a little sweatier.

According to the Dave's Hot Chicken website, they are growing every year:

• 156% total sales growth in 2022 compared to 2021
• More than 700 locations in the development pipeline, with restaurants currently open in major DMAs across the US, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Detroit, Toronto, Portland, and Milwaukee. The brand also has locations in Dubai and Canada.
• More than 200M organic views of Dave’s Hot Chicken tagged on TikTok

And before anyone gets huffy about another chain moving in, let’s remember that Missoula already has a locally owned option in the mix. Downtown, M-80 is dishing out hot chicken sandwiches with just the right amount of heat and none of that franchise backing. Just local folks bringing the spice.

Hot chicken in Missoula? It’s officially a thing. Buy napkins in bulk, and maybe don’t wear white.