Dave’s Hot Chicken bringing the heat to Pinellas Park

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Dave’s Hot Chicken will replace Moe’s Southwest Grill in Pinellas Park | Google Maps

A California-based franchise known for hot chicken is expanding its footprint in Pinellas County. 

Dave’s Hot Chicken is headed to 4683 Park Boulevard in Pinellas Park, taking over a former Moe’s Southwest Grill, which closed earlier this year.

According to plans submitted to the city, Dave’s Hot Chicken is currently renovating the space—constructing new partition walls, ceilings, and bathrooms, revamping the plumbing and electrical systems, and installing a new kitchen exhaust hood and self-order kiosks.

The 2,300 square-foot, fast-casual restaurant will be able to seat 61 people.

Scott Strahm of King Chicken LLC, the local franchisee of this location, tells St. Pete Rising that the new Pinellas Park storefront will be open by July.

The fast-casual chain is known for its Nashville-style chicken tenders, which can be piled high on a slider or served on top of fries or mac and cheese.

Nashville-style chicken is characterized by its spicy kick from cayenne pepper-infused oil, resulting in a deep red color.  The spice level at Dave’s ranges from “naked” and “little mild” to its “reaper” flavor, and customers typically have to sign a waiver to tackle its spiciest tenders.

The fast-casual chain is known for its Nashville-style chicken tenders, which can be piled high on a slider or served on top of fries or mac and cheese | Dave’s Hot Chicken

The restaurant recently debuted its “hot mozz” dish, a spicy rendition of a traditional mozzarella stick. Cauliflower sliders and tenders are also available as a vegetarian alternative to chicken.

A variety of sodas, shakes, and fruit slushes are featured on its drink menu.  

Last month, the company announced that it’s opening 150 new locations in 2026 alone, marking a sizable expansion for the franchise.

The company launched in 2017 in Pasadena, California, and quickly garnered popularity, with several celebrities like Drake and Samuel L. Jackson investing in the business.  

There are over 350 locations of Dave’s Hot Chicken throughout the country, with 24 storefronts in Florida alone.

Besides its upcoming Pinellas Park location, the only other Dave’s Hot Chicken in the county can be found at 2689 Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater.

Site plan for the proposed Dave’s Hot Chicken coming to Pinellas Park | Dave’s Hot Chicken