Dave’s Hot Chicken opening new Anderson location

Dave’s Hot Chicken is continuing its expansion plans in South Carolina with the opening of a new location in Anderson, bringing its Nashville-style hot chicken to the Upstate.

Built Different Brands is bringing the restaurant to 100 Fritz Drive in Anderson, with a planned opening date of Feb. 6.

“Anderson made it clear they were ready for Dave’s Hot Chicken, and we were happy to answer the call,” Kal Gullapalli, CEO of Built Different Brands, said in a news release. “People here in this thriving and growing market have been asking for it, and opening this location is our way of responding to that enthusiasm while also thoughtfully expanding our footprint of exciting food brands across the Southeast.”

Dave’s Hot Chicken serves hand-breaded, halal-certified chicken tenders and sliders with heat levels ranging from “no spice” to “reaper.” The menu also features loaded crinkle-cut fries, signature Dave’s Sauce and a fast-casual atmosphere.

To mark its Anderson debut, Dave’s Hot Chicken is giving back to the community by partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County. From Feb. 6-10, the restaurant will donate $1 from every combo sold to support the nonprofit’s mission. The grand opening celebration will include a live DJ and an in-restaurant scavenger hunt. Guests who spot “#BuiltDifferentBrands” hidden within the restaurant’s graffiti-covered walls — an artistic homage to Anderson — will receive a coupon for a free chicken tender or slider. Those who post photo proof of their find using the hashtag and tagging @builtdifferentbrands and @daveshotchicken will be entered for a chance to win free Dave’s Hot Chicken for a year, along with the Golden Rubber Chicken Award.

The Anderson opening marks another milestone in Built Different Brands’ continued growth across the Southeast and represents the company’s sixth Dave’s Hot Chicken location. Built Different Brands operates seven food, wellness and performance brands throughout the region, with a focus that extends beyond expansion, according to the release. The company says it is committed to creating local jobs, investing in a people-first culture and delivering unmatched guest experiences in every community it serves.

Operating hours are Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Built Different Brands is a hospitality and franchise investment group headquartered in Columbia, led by entrepreneur Gullapalli. The company operates more than 60 restaurant locations across Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

In South Carolina, Dave’s Hot Chicken locations can be found in Greenville, Columbia, Florence and Rock Hill.