Dave’s Hot Chicken today announced the addition of Brad Haley as its new chief marketing officer, and Leon Davoyan as its new chief technology officer.
Haley most recently led marketing initiatives for IHOP, including overseeing the company’s “IHOb” campaign that injected the company into the burger category and conversation. Prior, Haley spearheaded campaigns for CKE Restaurants, the parent company of over 3,000 Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants. At CKE, he led the introduction of new menu items and launched signature ads starring celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. His industry marketing career began with the introduction of the “Jack’s Back” campaign for Jack in the Box.
“Dave’s Hot Chicken has taken the fast casual segment by storm, and it’s an incredibly fun place to work,” Haley said in a statement. “Our founders created a brand that has had a cult-like following since day one. My goal is to help guide our transition from rapidly growing start-up to a successful, established chain, while maintaining the magic and – literally, in this case – the secret sauce that got us this far.”
Davoyan has held multiple leadership positions focused on innovation, strategy, implementation, and growth. Most recently, Davoyan was with ghost kitchen company Kitchen United, where he implemented new technology initiatives, optimized opening protocols, and standardized IT systems. Prior to KU, he helped grow emerging brands like Pinkberry, Veggie Grill, and Blaze Pizza.
In his role with Dave’s Hot Chicken, he is focused on building its technology infrastructure to help support the company’s growth, as well as harnessing tech tools to maximize the company’s marketing and operations initiatives through streamlining third-party delivery, enhancing the brand’s mobile app, and strengthening day-to-day restaurant operations systems.
“Dave’s Hot Chicken is in high growth mode, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team working to create solutions and strengthen our technology foundation for the benefit of our franchisees and guests,” Davoyan said in a statement. “It’s an amazing opportunity to work with a group of such talented individuals who are so passionate about restaurants and who understand how important technology is in today’s restaurant environment.”
These c-suite hires come as Dave’s Hot Chicken embarks on a steep growth trajectory. The 6-year-old, Los Angeles-based company posted a 67.6% compound annual growth rate from 2021 to 2022, according to Datassential. Sales during that time rose 155% to $203.6 million in 2022 from $79.8 million in 2021.
The Los Angeles-based brand plans to open an additional 70 locations this year, according to Bill Phelps, the CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken who bought into the concept with movie producer John Davis to franchise it.
Dave’s Hot Chicken specializes in hot-chicken tenders and sliders with such sides as kale slaw, mac ’n’ cheese and French fries. The chicken is offered at seven spice levels, ranging from No Spice to Reaper, which requires a signed waiver.
Celebrity investors include former California First Lady Maria Shriver, actor Samuel L. Jackson, retired NFL player Michael Strahan and singer Drake.
The concept was founded in 2017 by Arman Oganesyan and his best friend, chef Dave Kopushyan, along with brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. They remain involved in the business.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]