Dave’s Hot Chicken to Spice Up El Paso with First Sun City Location in Eastlake

A California hot chicken chain with rave reviews and a cult-like following is hatching its first El Paso location.

Dave’s Hot Chicken will be roosting in the Eastlake Commons shopping center in the coming months, according to River Oaks Properties, owner and operator of numerous retail properties in the city including Eastlake Commons and Eastlake Marketplace.

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What’s Hot Chicken?

Hot Chicken, for the uninitiated, is not a reference to its temperature.

It’s a deep-fried chicken with a kick that comes from the fiery blend of spices its coated with. It originated in Nashville and is sometimes referred to as Nashville Hot Chicken.

Dave’s Hot Chicken

The Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise has one of the greatest origin stories in the fast-casual restaurant business.

According to the company website, it started as a pop-up in Hollywood, California parking lot after its four founders (including a guy named Dave) pooled $900 between all of them, a portable fryer, and picnic tables from their backyards.

Today it's known for the mammoth chicken tenders that come in seven levels of spice that range from no spice to “The Reaper” for those who take a perverse pleasure in inflicting pain on their tongue. The Reaper is so hot it requires those who dare to sign a waiver. I’ll pass. I prefer my poops pain free, thank you.

Besides the jumbo Hot Chicken Tenders and Sliders, devotees can choose from sides of house-made Kale Slaw, Mac n’ Cheese, and French Fries.

When Will It Open?

River Oaks Properties has not indicated when El Pasoans can expect to see what the hype is all about, but I'll keep an eye out for more details.