Are you one of those Salem locals who’s been dreaming about sinking your teeth into a juicy, Nashville-style hot chicken tender? Well, I’ve got some burning news for ya! The wait for Dave’s Hot Chicken in Salem has been quite the rollercoaster, and today I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about this fiery addition to our food scene.
The Confusing Timeline: Has Dave’s Hot Chicken Already Opened in Salem?
Let’s clear up the confusion right away. According to the most recent and reliable information from the Statesman Journal Dave’s Hot Chicken has already opened in Salem Oregon. The grand opening happened on a Friday, with the first 100 customers receiving a key chain and temporary tattoos as part of the celebration.
This contradicts some outdated information floating around that suggested Dave’s Hot Chicken was still planning to open in early 2025. Those sources were clearly working with preliminary information that has since been updated.
Where Exactly Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Located in Salem?
For those ready to get their spice fix you’ll want to head to
Address: 3817 Center St. NE, Salem, Oregon
This location features both indoor seating and a convenient drive-thru, making it easy to grab your hot chicken fix whether you’re dining in or on the go.
What Are Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Hours in Salem?
Plan your spicy chicken cravings accordingly with these operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
That’s right, folks! You can satisfy those late-night cravings for hot chicken even on weekends until 1 a.m. Perfect for after a night out or when you just need that midnight spice kick!
The Dave’s Hot Chicken Story: From Parking Lot to Powerhouse
Before we dive deeper into what you can expect at the Salem location, let’s take a quick look at the Dave’s Hot Chicken story. It’s actually pretty inspiring!
Dave’s Hot Chicken began in 2017 as a humble hot chicken sandwich pop-up in an East Hollywood parking lot. It was started by four friends:
- Dave Kopushyan (the namesake)
- Arman Oganesyan
- Tommy Rubenyan
- Gary Rubenyan
From these modest beginnings, they’ve exploded into a fast-food phenomenon with over 100 locations across the United States and internationally. Talk about a success story!
In Oregon alone, there are now five locations:
- Salem
- Tualatin
- Beaverton
- Portland
- Clackamas
The Salem location had reportedly been in development for almost two years before finally opening, which explains some of the confusion about the opening date.
What’s on the Menu at Dave’s Hot Chicken Salem?
If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, it’s all about simplicity done right. Dave’s Hot Chicken keeps their menu refreshingly straightforward with a focus on quality over quantity:
Main Items:
- Hot chicken tenders
- Hot chicken sliders
Sides:
- French fries
- Cheese fries
- Kale slaw
- Macaroni and cheese
Beverages:
- Soft drinks
- Water
- Milkshakes
What really sets Dave’s apart is their spice levels. You can customize your heat experience from “No Spice” all the way up to the infamous “Reaper” level, which incorporates Carolina Reaper peppers in the sauce. That’s not for the faint of heart!
Their spice levels include:
- No Spice
- Lite Mild
- Mild
- Medium
- Hot
- Extra Hot
- Reaper (extremely hot!)
How Much Will Dave’s Hot Chicken Cost You?
If you’re planning your budget for a Dave’s Hot Chicken feast, expect to pay around $10-$15 for a meal, including a few tenders or a slider combo with a side and drink. This puts them firmly in the affordable fast-casual dining range – not the cheapest fast food you’ll find, but reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes.
The Dave’s Hot Chicken Salem Experience
The Salem location has some unique touches that make it stand out. The interior features the brand’s signature bright red, street fashion-forward design, but with special Salem-specific elements incorporated into the décor.
The murals and graffiti art were created by LA-based artist and creative collective Dehmq and Splatterhaus, bringing that authentic urban vibe that Dave’s Hot Chicken is known for.
My Honest Take: Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Worth the Hype?
Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – Dave’s Hot Chicken has become popular for a reason. Their chicken really is that good! The tenders are larger than what you’d find at most competitors, and they’re hand-breaded to create that perfect crunch factor.
What I personally love is how they’ve perfected the balance between flavor and heat. Even at the spicier levels, you can still taste the chicken itself and the seasoning blend, not just pure capsaicin punishment.
The sides aren’t an afterthought either. Their mac and cheese is creamy and indulgent, and the kale slaw offers a nice counterbalance to the spicy chicken.
FAQ: Everything Else You Need to Know About Dave’s Hot Chicken in Salem
Is Dave’s Hot Chicken owned by a larger company?
Yes! Dave’s Hot Chicken was purchased by Roark Capital (the same company that owns Subway) for a reported $1 billion. The company has sold the rights to hold more than 1,000 franchises.
Does Dave’s Hot Chicken use halal meat?
Yes, they use Halal-certified chicken for their tenders.
Does Dave’s Hot Chicken offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Unfortunately, Dave’s Hot Chicken doesn’t currently have dedicated vegetarian or vegan options for their main courses. The sides like fries and kale slaw might be suitable, but it’s always best to confirm ingredients with the staff.
Will Dave’s Hot Chicken in Salem offer online ordering and delivery?
Yes, like other Dave’s Hot Chicken locations, the Salem restaurant offers online ordering and delivery services.
Is Drake really an investor in Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Yes! Music superstar Drake is indeed an investor in Dave’s Hot Chicken. In fact, Roark Capital purchased a 70% majority interest in Dave’s, with the deal reportedly valuing the company at $1 billion.
The Bottom Line: Salem’s Hot Chicken Scene Just Got Spicier
The arrival of Dave’s Hot Chicken in Salem marks a significant addition to our local food landscape. With its prime location on Center Street, convenient hours, and reputation for quality Nashville-style hot chicken, it’s poised to become a local favorite.
Whether you’re a spice enthusiast who wants to challenge yourself with the Reaper level or someone who prefers their chicken with “No Spice” at all, Dave’s Hot Chicken offers something for everyone.
And remember, life’s too short for boring chicken – so go get some that’ll make ya sweat!
Have you tried Dave’s Hot Chicken in Salem yet? What did you think of it? Drop a comment below with your experience and favorite spice level!
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