Current:Home > reviewsIndexbit Exchange:Usher has got it bad for Dave's Hot Chicken. He joins Drake as newest celebrity investor -Elevate Capital Network
Indexbit Exchange:Usher has got it bad for Dave's Hot Chicken. He joins Drake as newest celebrity investor
TrendPulse Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-07 01:07:44
Usher has a confession: He's the newest big-name performer to invest in Dave's Hot Chicken.
The Indexbit Exchangesinger, who recently commanded the Super Bowl halftime stage, will be investing in locations across Atlanta in the coming years, the company said Wednesday.
“Dave’s Hot Chicken is some of the best hot chicken I’ve ever had. I’m excited to be involved with the brand, and bring Dave’s delicious tenders and sliders to people across Atlanta,” Usher said in a statement.
The eight-time Grammy Award-winner isn't the only celebrity investor in the chain. Drake is, too, and has given away free chicken slider sandwiches at the restaurants on his birthday for the last two years (mark your calendars for Oct. 24).
Other celeb investors in the Los Angeles-based restaurant chain include Maria Shriver, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Strahan.
Usher has survived the 'Reaper'
Usher is familiar with Dave's Hot Chicken, especially the "hot" selling point. Two years ago, he posted on Instagram how he had to eat a sandwich from the restaurant prepared at "Reaper" level of spiciness – made with Carolina Reaper peppers; you sign a waiver when you order – as payback for apparently being late to be at one of his kids' events, People reported.
In his Instagram video, which has since been posted on YouTube, Usher says the heat had him "just dancing for no reason."
Dave's Hot Chicken is fast-growing chain
Usher will be partnering with one of the largest and longest-tenured franchise groups, headed by Lawrence Kourie and Andrew Feghali, Dave's Hot Chicken said.
Dave's Hot Chicken was named the nation's fastest growing chain in 2022, the company said citing research from consulting firm Technomic. Having started as a late-night munchies spot in an East Hollywood parking lot in 2017, the chain now has 200 locations in the U.S., with the rights to more than 700 franchises locations in the U.S., Middle East and Canada.
The chain is planning to open an estimated 90 locations this year.
Earlier this year, the chain began offering meatless menu items: Dave’s Cauliflower Sliders, Tenders and Bites made from cauliflower.
“Dave’s Hot Chicken continues to gain traction from coast-to-coast, from our passionate guests to international superstars,” the company's CEO Bill Phelps said in a statement. “Our focus remains on making the most craveable, hottest and juiciest hot chicken on the planet, and we know if we do that, we’ll be gaining new fans everywhere we go.”
Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.
What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day
veryGood! (56453)
Related
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- Q&A: Ronald McKinnon Made It From Rural Alabama to the NFL. Now He Wants To See His Flooded Hometown Get Help
- Major interstate highway shut down in Philadelphia after truck hits bridge
- Chipotle's National Burrito Day play: Crack the Burrito Vault to win free burritos for a year
- Breaking debut in Olympics raises question: Are breakers artists or athletes?
- Stop asking me for tips. 'Tipflation' is out of control.
- Florida Supreme Court clears the way for abortion ballot initiative while upholding 15-week abortion ban
- California law would give employees the 'right to disconnect' during nonworking hours
- US auto safety agency seeks information from Tesla on fatal Cybertruck crash and fire in Texas
- Maryland lawmakers debate tax and fee package. Some Democrats worry it may cost party the US Senate
Ranking
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Jay Leno's wife 'sometimes does not know' him amid dementia battle
- Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's Kids Harlow and Sparrow Make Red Carpet Debut
- Here's how much Americans say they need to retire — and it's 53% higher than four years ago
- NCAA hands former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh a 4-year show cause order for recruiting violations
- Storms cause damage across Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee; millions still face severe weather warnings
- Hard landing kills skydiver at Florida airport for the second time in less than 2 years
- Israel pulls troops from Gaza's biggest hospital after 2-week raid
Recommendation
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Kristin Cavallari Is Considering Having a Baby With Boyfriend Mark Estes
Kristen Doute Reacts to Being Called Racist Over Her Vanderpump Rules Firing
Man is arrested in Easter brunch shooting in Nashville that left 1 dead and 5 injured
Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
Man pleads guilty to attacking Muslim state representative in Connecticut
Hunter Biden's motions to dismiss tax charges all denied by judge
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Face First