Houston's hot Chicken boom

Nashville hot chicken chain from L.A. to open at least 6 restaurants in Houston

Dave's Hot Chicken comes in seven different spice levels.

Photo courtesy of Dave's

A California-based restaurant is heating up Houston’s hot chicken boom. Dave’s Hot Chicken will open at least six Houston-area locations beginning this summer.

The Los Angeles-based restaurant signed a franchisee agreement with Dos Niños Enterprises, LLC for the Houston-College Station market. Brian Wells of Dos Niños tells CultureMap the company has leases signed for the six locations listed below and is currently in negotiations for six more:

12161 Westheimer Rd.
2525 Rice Blvd. (co-tenancy with Velvet Taco)
614 Dennis St. (The Crossing at Midtown)
6324 Highway 6 South (Missouri City)
15245 Wallisville Rd.
20740 Kuykendahl Rd. (Spring)

Founded in 2017 by Dave Kopushyan — a classically trained chef and veteran of Thomas Keller’s Bouchon restaurant — Dave’s serves halal chicken tenders and sandwiches at seven difference spice levels. The menu also includes sides such as kale slaw, mac & cheese, crispy fries, and cheese fries, as well as milkshakes.

Wells says Kopushyan’s background and serving halal meet are two reasons his company chose to partner with Dave's. He also notes that every location is decorated with graffiti by local artists, which gives them a distinct look.

Expect either the Westheimer or Rice Village location to open first with more to follow throughout the summer and fall.

Initially opened as a food truck, Dave’s has grown to multiple brick and mortar locations across Southern California. In 2019, Kopushyan and his three co-founders partnered with restaurant veteran Bill Phelps, former co-founder and CEO of Wetzel’s Pretzels and a partner in Blaze Pizza, to grow the brand nationally. Franchised locations are also in the works for both Dallas and Fort Worth.

Hot chicken has become a popular dining trend in Houston. First popularized by Mico’s Hot Chicken, the roster of establishments devoted to the dish includes both food trucks and brick and mortar restaurants such as Main Chick, Tumble 22, and Howdy Hot Chicken.

Debbie Adams of Edge Realty Partners represented Dave's in leasing its Spring location.

openings news-you-can-eat

First look at all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse's new Katy outpost

Good news for Katy-area carnivores — the wait for the suburb's newest all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse has come to an end. Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse has opened its second Houston-area restaurant near the intersection of the Grand Parkway and the Katy Freeway.

Located at 24205 Bella Katy Drive, Chama Gaúcha has claimed the former Doneraki Mexican Grill/Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que space for its new location. It joins the restaurant’s original Houston location (5865 Westheimer) that’s been open since 2011.

Similar to other rodizio concepts, Chama Gaúcha offers a range of grilled beef, lamb, pork, chickens, and Brazilian sausages that are served tableside by the restaurant’s staff. The meats come with caramelized bananas, garlic mashed potatoes, fried polenta, and pão de queijo, the celebrated Brazilian cheese rolls.

Diners also have access to a salad bar with more than 30 selections, including vegetables, cheeses, and charcuterie. Those who want a lighter meal may opt for a salad bar-only option for a reduced price.

The space has been given a comprehensive makeover that includes exposed brick, wood finishes, and circular lighting. An expansive bar and visible wine storage highlight the restaurant’s beverage offerings.

Brick columns and greenery frame the signature salad bar, while a landscape courtyard and fountain add some drama to the restaurant’s entrance.

The interior will feature five private dining rooms with capacities ranging from 20 to 150 people. They’re available for celebrations, business dinners, and other happenings.

“We’ve welcomed guests from Katy at our Westheimer location for many years, so it’s especially exciting to now welcome them here in their own community,” manager and Katy resident Guilherme Da Silva said in a statement. “From the design of the restaurant to the cuisine and tableside service, we created a setting where guests can enjoy the authentic Chama Gaúcha experience whether they’re joining us for dinner, a celebration or a special event.”

$Chama Ga\u00facha Brazilian Steakhouse Katy$

Courtesy of Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse

The restaurant's entrance features a landscaped courtyard and fountain.

openings news-you-can-eat