Sneak peek inside Calgary's first Dave's Hot Chicken location before it opens
A chicken renaissance is taking place in Calgary right now, with an influx of local spots and chains offering various takes on the classic dish opening in the city over the last few months.
One of the most hotly anticipated is the opening of the renowned Dave’s Hot Chicken. After announcing its expansion into Alberta earlier this year, the time has finally come.
We got a sneak peek of Calgary’s very first Dave’s Hot Chicken location, which is officially opening on Friday, July 4.
From East Hollywood to East Hills
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If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, Dave’s Hot Chicken was brought to life in an East Hollywood parking lot in 2017, and as its popularity exploded, it now has locations all over the world.
Having opened its first Canadian location in Toronto in early 2021, it now operates several locations in Ontario. Its Canadian connection has been continued by rapper Drake, who acquired a stake in the company in 2021.
As you’d expect, chicken is at the forefront of its menu, with the brand known for its crispy chicken tenders and sliders. Its chicken can also be customized to different heat levels, from zero spice, right up to its legendary tear-inducing “Reaper” heat.
Inside the restaurant
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Dave’s East Hills location is what you’d expect from any fast food establishment, but with its signature spin. The walls are adorned with brightly coloured graffiti. There’s a large counter to place your order and a ton of seating.
The menu is small, but that doesn’t make it boring in the slightest. While there are four different meal options, which include tenders, sliders or both, you’re able to choose from seven different spice levels. We opted for the two tenders meal with mild seasoning and the two sliders with medium spice.
On first impressions, we were shocked by just how enormous the tenders are. They’re basically the size of large chicken breasts, and it’s served with a portion of fries, two slices of bread, pickles, sauce, and a drink, so for $16.99, we were impressed. The mild was still flavourful with just a hint of spice.
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The sliders featured the same enormous tenders, but in a bun with kale slaw and pickles, as well as the same accompaniments as the tenders meal, ringing in at $19.99. Both meals could easily be shared between two people, but we absolutely do not judge for eating them solo.
While the portion sizes were impressive, it all came down to the taste and let’s say we could see why Drake was such a big fan. The chicken was juicy and flavourful, coated in the seasoning all over. The bread was also a really nice addition as it soaks up the flavour of the chicken.
The crinkle fries were exactly what you’d hope for — crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. Naturally, we got extra Dave’s sauce to go with them, and it was the move. The sauce was creamy and tangy, complementing the chicken and fries well. If you’ve ever been to Raising Cane’s, it was very similar and equally as tasty.
The restaurant is an exciting new addition to the city, and with more locations in the pipeline, Calgarians will be able to get their chicken fix.
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Dave’s Hot Chicken
Address:Â 409 East Hills Blvd. #215, Calgary
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