Dave’s Hot Chicken Taps Joshua Liggins to Lead 2026 Expansion
HOSPITALITY
Dave's Hot Chicken, the fastest-growing Nashville-style hot chicken sensation, has announced Joshua Liggins as Vice President of Franchise Development.
In the world of fast-casual dining, few stories are as explosive as Dave’s Hot Chicken. What started as a $900 parking lot pop-up in 2017 has become a global phenomenon, backed by heavyweights like Drake, Usher, and Samuel L. Jackson.
As the brand enters its most ambitious growth phase yet, it has found a new architect for its footprint. Today, Dave’s Hot Chicken announced the appointment of Joshua Liggins as Vice President of Franchise Development.
A Proven Track Record in Scaling Giants
Liggins joins the team with a pedigree for high-velocity growth. Most recently, he served as the Director of Franchising at Inspire Brands, where he led development efforts for iconic names like Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, and Sonic.
“Dave’s is a home run of a brand,” Liggins noted. “When you hear about the unit economics, the sales-to-investment ratio, and see the level of reinvestment from existing franchisees, it gets your attention.”
The 2026 Strategy: Data, Domination, and Delays-No-More
With most domestic territories already committed, Liggins’ role is less about "selling" and more about "executing" at a world-class standard. His 2026 mandate focuses on three key pillars:
Strategic Market Mapping: Using a data-driven approach to identify high-potential trade areas and ensure existing franchisees hit their development milestones.
Non-Traditional Growth: Expanding Dave’s into formats outside the standard brick-and-mortar storefront.
Global Aggression: Accelerating international partnerships, such as the brand's recent landmark agreement with the UK-based Azzurri Group to blanket Europe.
The "CEO Transition" Context
The hiring of Liggins is part of a broader leadership shuffle at the start of the New Year. Jim Bitticks, who has been instrumental in the brand’s meteoric rise, was officially named CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken as of January 2026.
“We continue to build a best-in-class leadership team to support Dave’s rapid growth,” said Bitticks. “Joshua will play a critical role as we expand across traditional, non-traditional, and international channels.”
Culture as a Catalyst
For Dave’s Hot Chicken, the "authentic vibe" remains the core product. Whether it’s a slider at a "Reaper" spice level or a house-made kale slaw, the brand’s mission remains to "blow their minds". By bringing in a veteran like Liggins, Dave’s is ensuring that as they scale to over 1,000 locations, they won’t lose the parking-lot passion that started it all.