Key Highlights
- Dave’s Hot Chicken is offering free chicken sliders to celebrate Drake’s birthday.
- The “Toosie Slide” dance will be performed by fans at Dave’s Hot Chicken locations on October 23rd.
- This is the third year in a row that Dave’s Hot Chicken is giving away free sliders for Drake’s birthday.
- Drake has been an investor in Dave’s Hot Chicken since 2021, contributing to its expansion and success.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Celebrates Drake with Free Sliders
To celebrate his upcoming birthday on October 24th, the renowned rapper Drake, also known as Aubrey Graham, is offering a special freebie to his fans: chicken sliders at Dave’s Hot Chicken. This tradition has been going on for three consecutive years, with Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Bill Phelps stating, “We want to continue this tradition of taking care of our fans while celebrating our most famous investor, Drake.”
Fans are encouraged to perform the “Toosie Slide,” a dance move popularized by Drake, at any Dave’s Hot Chicken location from 11 AM to 9 PM local time on October 23rd. To claim their free slider or chicken tender, customers need to download the Dave’s App and have it ready for scanning. It’s important to note that this offer is not available with online orders or via third-party delivery services.
Drake’s Investment in Dave’s Hot Chicken
The investment from Drake has significantly impacted the growth of Dave’s Hot Chicken, a chain that started as a late-night munchies spot in an East Hollywood parking lot in 2017. Since Bill Phelps joined as CEO in 2019 after leading Wetzel’s Pretzels for 25 years, the still-growing chain has expanded to 350 locations across the United States and also has presence in the Middle East and Canada.
This is not the only celebrity investment in Dave’s Hot Chicken; other notable investors include Usher, Maria Shriver, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Strahan. The success of these investments has helped to establish Dave’s Hot Chicken as a major player in the fast-casual restaurant scene, known for its spicy chicken sandwiches that have become a cultural phenomenon.
Impact on the Fast-Casual Industry
The partnership between Drake and Dave’s Hot Chicken highlights the growing trend of celebrities investing in food businesses. This not only provides financial support but also lends significant publicity to the brand, helping to drive sales and customer loyalty. According to industry experts, such celebrity investments can significantly boost a restaurant’s profile, especially in niche markets like hot chicken.
For Dave’s Hot Chicken, the investment from Drake has been instrumental. “Having Drake as an investor has brought a lot of exposure and positive energy to our brand,” said Bill Phelps. “His fans are some of our most loyal customers, and we’re excited to celebrate with them.”
Future Implications for Dave’s Hot Chicken
The success of the free slider promotion has set a precedent for future collaborations between celebrity investors and fast-casual restaurants. As more celebrities look to diversify their business portfolios, it is likely that we will see similar initiatives from other high-profile individuals in the food industry.
For now, fans are eagerly awaiting the annual event, with many already planning their visits to Dave’s Hot Chicken locations on October 23rd. The freebie not only serves as a gesture of appreciation but also solidifies Drake’s status as a significant player in the culinary world.
