Dave’s Hot Chicken opens first New Mexico location in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Dave’s Hot Chicken, the California-based chain, is officially opening its first New Mexico location in northwest Albuquerque Friday.

It’s in the Cottonwood Mall shopping area. The new restaurant technically opened Thursday, and we were there when the first few customers lined up outside the front door, eager to dig into that hot chicken.

Store managers say that love goes both ways.

“You will see us interact a lot with the community. We like to be involved with law enforcement, would like to be involved with any organization that is here to support Albuquerque. We want to be there, and that’s that’s part of our mission, that’s part of our vision and our promise to every single state that we show up to,” said Jorge Frausto with Dave’s Hot Chicken. 

Store managers say the new location will employ close to 100 people, and they’re already working to bring a second location to Albuquerque.

Dave’s Hot Chicken is still a relatively new company, first opening back in 2017. But they’ve gained quite the following over the past few years, and company officials say it’s because they’re bringing the heat.

“We got seven levels, right? We had no spice, light, mild, medium, which is my favorite, and then hot, extra hot, and reaper is a different level. You have to sign a waiver for that one,” said Frausto. 

Store managers say they’re expecting New Mexicans to put them to the challenge.