Dave’s Hot Chicken Bringing More Heat to Westport

Nashville-style hot chicken is coming to Westport in October by way of Los Angeles.

Dave’s Hot Chicken is expecting to open its second metro KC outlet in commercial space at the southwest corner of the Westley on Broadway apartment development at Broadway and Westport Road.

The fast-growing franchise, which likes to keep its menu simple, began as a pop-up in a parking lot in East Los Angeles six years ago. When a blogger for the LA Times praised its spicy fare, the business took off.

The first local Dave’s Hot Chicken recently opened in Overland Park at 9097 Metcalf. It’s actually been so successful, the Nebraska owners of the regional franchise have decided to slow down the opening of the Westport location.

“We’ll be done with construction in 10- to 14 days but with staffing and our overwhelming response in Overland Park, we decided to open in early to mid-October,” said co-owner Curt Staab.

According to the company website, Dave’s Hot Chicken rapid growth has been “fueled by the company’s cult following, demonstrated by people driving across state lines to get a taste of the food.”

While driving across the state line in Kansas City is not a big deal, Staab said the firm does hope the Westport location whet’s locals appetites for additional franchises in the metro.

“We looked at a location with high traffic and good visibility,” he said. “That helps us build the brand for the rest of the market. People from all over Kansas City will come to Westport and see us.”

The menu is very basic, focusing on fresh, plump chicken tenders and sliders coated with a proprietary hot chicken recipe. Hot chicken has been a Nashville special food for many years.

The heat level ranges from no spice to extra hot and level called “reaper” which the company says requires a signed waiver “for those who dare.” Sides include house-made Kale Slaw, creamy Mac n’ Cheese and crispy, seasoned French Fries.

Dave’s is the second restaurant to open in the ground floor commercial space of the Westley, a 256-unit apartment project that opened in 2020. A Taco Bell Cantina opened in the northwest corner in 2021.