- Dave’s Hot Chicken opens at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.
- Choose from seven spice levels, including the infamous Reaper challenge.
- Menu features sliders, tenders, bites, loaded fries, mac and shakes.
- Marina Mall spot offers indoor energy, relaxed outdoor seating for groups.
Dave’s Hot Chicken brings its LA-born Nashville-style heat to Abu Dhabi with a new Marina Mall location. The brand’s signature build-your-own-heat menu is here, offering sliders, tenders and Dave’s Bites across seven spice levels, including the notorious Reaper challenge. The new outlet mixes energetic indoor seating with a relaxed outdoor area, ideal for hangouts and shopping refuels.
Abu Dhabi’s dining scene has been leaning into bold, shareable flavours and experiential fast-casual concepts, and Dave’s Hot Chicken arrives at an opportune moment. The brand’s simple, focused menu and its social-media-ready presentation tap into current cravings for both comfort food and a spicy thrill. Heat challenges and bespoke spice levels have become a cultural staple for foodies, and Dave’s approach turns that trend into a repeatable, social experience for friends and families. For food lovers who chase flavour and fun, this opening adds a playful option to Marina Mall’s food mix.
Dave’s menu keeps things direct and dialled, with build-your-own-heat at the heart of the experience. Key menu draws include:
- Hot Chicken Sliders
- Tenders and Dave’s Bites
- Seven spice levels from No Spice up to Reaper, which requires a signed waiver
- Sides like Mac & Cheese, Kale Slaw, Top-Loaded Fries and loaded milkshakes
These items are designed for sharing, for quick solo lunches, or for groups who want to compare heat levels and stack flavours. The menu’s clarity makes decisions fast, which suits mall crowds, and the variety gives repeat visitors reasons to come back and try a different spice each time.
The Marina Mall location balances high energy and casual comfort. Inside seating is lively, made for groups and weekend crowds, while the outdoor area gives space to step back and enjoy a relaxed meal. The fit-out nods to the brand’s energetic identity, with bright accents and straightforward service that keeps queues moving. It’s a place that invites quick stops between stores, casual meetups with friends, and longer meals for families who want shareable plates and bold flavours.
Lavoya Group’s CEO Walid Hajj highlighted the opening as a milestone for the brand in the capital and a step in regional growth. The expansion reflects a commitment to accessibility and consistent flavours across the UAE, with training programmes for local staff to deliver the brand’s signature quality. A second Abu Dhabi branch is planned for Yas Mall, confirming that Dave’s intends to be a recurring option for mall-goers. For diners, that means more chances to try the signature spice levels and the communal thrill of the Reaper challenge.
Drop by Marina Mall to taste the LA-born heat, pick your preferred spice level, and enjoy the lively vibe. Check Dave’s Hot Chicken social channels or visit the Marina Mall outlet for opening hours, specials and reservations!
Instagram: @daveshotchickengcc
