Our Story

About Dave's Hot Chicken — Fired With Passion

Name: Dave's hot chicken
Address: 8150 Arbor Square Dr, Mason, OH 45040, USA, United States
Telephone: +1 513-770-9987
Price range: $$

We're more than a restaurant. Dave's hot chicken was born from a love of bold flavors, community, and the belief that great food has the power to bring people together. Every sandwich, every tender, every bite — crafted with pride in Mason, Ohio.

Dave's hot chicken restaurant interior with bold decor

2018 Founded

Years Serving

50K+

Happy Guests

Heat Levels

4.9

Avg. Rating

Dave's hot chicken kitchen preparing Nashville-style hot chicken

100% Fresh Daily

How It All Began

The Daves Hot Chicken Origin Story

It started in a backyard. Dave — a passionate home cook with a lifelong obsession with Nashville hot chicken — spent years perfecting his signature spice blend, testing heat levels on brave family members, and dreaming of something bigger. What began as weekend cookouts quickly became the talk of Mason, Ohio.

In 2018, Dave's hot chicken opened its first location on Arbor Square Dr, armed with nothing but an iron skillet, a secret rub, and an unwavering commitment to quality. The line at the door on opening day stretched around the block — and it hasn't stopped since.

Today, daves hot chicken is a beloved community staple, known for bold flavors, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone — from heat veterans to first-timers — finds their perfect level of fire.

Years in Business

Signature Heat Levels

50K+

Satisfied Customers

Hot Chicken in Mason, OH

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What Drives Us

Our Mission & Core Values

At Dave hot chicken, everything we do is guided by a simple principle: serve food we're proud of to people we care about. These are the values we live by every day.

Bold Flavors First

We never compromise on taste. Every recipe is tested, refined, and perfected before it earns a place on our menu. Heat should excite, not just burn.

Fresh Ingredients Always

We source locally where possible and prepare everything fresh daily. No frozen shortcuts — just real, quality ingredients that you can taste in every bite.

Community First

We're proud to be a Mason, Ohio institution. We support local events, hire locally, and give back to the neighborhood that made us who we are.

Exceptional Experience

From the moment you walk in to the last satisfying bite, we're committed to making every visit memorable — welcoming, fast, and always worth coming back for.

Daves chicken kitchen team preparing fresh food

The Dave's Difference

Why Daves Chicken Stands Apart

12 Levels of Heat

From gentle "No Spice" to the legendary "Reaper" level — we offer something for every palate, every visit.

Award-Winning Recipes

Recognized by local food critics and voted Mason's favorite hot chicken spot four years running.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

A welcoming space for everyone — date nights, family dinners, group hangouts, and everything in between.

Fast, Reliable Service

Whether dine-in, takeout, or catering, we deliver on time with food that arrives hot and fresh — every time.

Our Journey

The Dave's Hot Chicken Timeline

From a backyard dream to Mason's most beloved hot chicken spot — here's how Dave's story unfolded.

2016

The Backyard Experiments

Dave begins perfecting his Nashville hot chicken recipe in his Mason, Ohio backyard. Friends and family become enthusiastic taste-testers. Word spreads fast — neighbors start showing up uninvited, and Dave never turns anyone away.

2017

Pop-Up Success & Community Buzz

Dave launches a pop-up stand at local farmers markets and food fairs. The response is overwhelming — long lines, sold-out batches, and a growing fan base demanding a permanent location. A food critic calls it "the best thing to happen to Ohio chicken."

2018

Grand Opening at Arbor Square

Dave's hot chicken officially opens its doors at 8150 Arbor Square Dr, Mason, OH. Opening day draws hundreds of eager guests. The original menu features 6 heat levels, signature sandwiches, and the now-famous Nashville Bowl. The community embraces it instantly.

2019

Menu Expansion & First Catering Events

The menu grows to include Family Feast Boxes, Sliders, and Tenders Platters. Dave's catering service launches, serving corporate events, weddings, and birthday parties across the Cincinnati metro area. Heat levels expand to 10 distinct options.

2021

Voted Mason's Best Restaurant

Dave's hot chicken wins "Best Local Restaurant" in the Mason Community Choice Awards — and repeats the honor the following year. A loyal customer base of over 30,000 guests has now been served. Online ordering launches to meet growing demand.

2024

12 Heat Levels & Continued Growth

The menu reaches its full glory with 12 signature heat levels, including the notorious "Reaper" challenge. Over 50,000 guests served. A dedicated events space opens for private dining and catering, cementing Dave's as a cornerstone of Mason's food culture.

Meet The Team

The People Behind the Heat

Our passionate team is what makes Dave's hot chicken truly special. From kitchen to counter, every member brings dedication, skill, and a love for great food.

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Head Chef

The mastermind behind every heat level and flavor profile. Dave's passion for Nashville-style chicken has driven the brand from backyard to beloved institution.

Sarah Chen

Operations Manager

Sarah ensures every order leaves the kitchen flawlessly. With a background in restaurant management, she keeps daves chicken running like a well-oiled machine.

Marcus Thompson

Executive Sous Chef

Trained in culinary arts and obsessed with texture and spice balance, Marcus co-develops new menu items and ensures every dish meets Dave hot chicken's exacting standards.

Priya Nair

Customer Experience Lead

Priya is the reason guests smile when they walk in and smile even bigger when they leave. She leads front-of-house operations and makes every visit feel personal and warm.

Passionate about food? Join the Dave's family.

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Ready to Experience Dave's Hot Chicken?

Join over 50,000 guests who've discovered their perfect heat level. Come taste what the buzz is all about — in Mason, Ohio and beyond.

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Visit Us

8150 Arbor Square Dr, Mason, OH 45040

Call Us

+1 513-770-9987

Hours

Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm | Sat: 10am–4pm