Dave’s Hot Chicken Holiday Hours | Opening & Closing Guide 2026

The operating/holiday hours at Dave’s Hot Chicken are designed for both lunch lovers and late-night food cravings. Most locations across the United States open in the late morning and stay open until midnight or even later on weekends. Whether you want crispy Nashville-style tenders for lunch, sliders after work, or a late-night Hot Box with friends, Dave’s Hot Chicken usually stays available during busy hours.

The restaurant becomes busiest during dinner time, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when customers line up for spicy tenders, sliders, fries, and Reaper-level challenges. Because many stores are franchise-owned, opening and closing times can vary slightly depending on the city and location.

Dave’s Regular Hours 2026

Most Dave’s Hot restaurants follow similar daily operating hours.

👉 Some busy city locations may stay open even later on weekends.

Best Time to Visit

• 6 PM to 9 PM
• Friday and Saturday nights
• Holiday weekends
• Late-night hours near colleges or busy downtown areas

If you want shorter lines and faster service, afternoon visits are usually more comfortable than dinner rush hours.

Holiday Hours 2026

Dave’s Hot stays open for most holidays throughout the year, but some locations may operate with reduced hours during major celebrations like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve. Since holiday schedules can vary by location, it’s always a good idea to check your nearest restaurant before visiting.

Important Holiday Hours Tips

• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day are the two most common closure dates.
• Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve usually have shorter operating hours.
• Mall locations may close earlier than standalone restaurants.
• Delivery hours on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub can differ from dine-in hours.
• Busy holiday evenings may increase wait times, especially during weekends and late nights.

For the most accurate and updated holiday hours schedule, check the official Dave’s Hot Chicken app, website, or Google Maps listing before visiting.

Christmas Hours 2026

Christmas schedules are different from normal restaurant hours.

Many customers order Hot Boxes or sliders on Christmas Eve before stores close early.

Thanksgiving Hours 2026

👉 Tip: Thanksgiving Eve is often busy because many customers order family-sized meals and party boxes.

Easter Hours 2026

Most locations remain open during Easter weekend.

Some locations may shorten evening hours, so checking ahead is recommended.

Hours by State (2026)

Dave’s Hot Chicken has grown from a small Los Angeles hot chicken spot into one of the fastest-growing fast-food chains across the United States. In busy states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York, many Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants stay open later at night, especially on weekends. Smaller markets may close a little earlier.

States with Late-Night Hours

Locations in these states often stay open until midnight or later on weekends:

States with Standard Operating Hours

Most Dave’s Hot Chicken locations across the U.S. follow these regular timings:

East Coast & Southern States Hours

These locations usually keep slightly longer dinner and late-night hours because of higher customer traffic:

How to Check Hours Near You

Because operating hours can vary by location, checking your nearest Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurant before visiting is always the safest option. Some stores inside malls, airports, downtown areas, or college neighborhoods may follow different schedules from regular standalone locations.

Here are the easiest ways to check updated Dave’s Hot Chicken hours in 2026:

1. Official Website

The official Dave’s Hot Chicken website includes a store locator where customers can search by city, ZIP code, or state to find updated hours, addresses, and contact information.

2. Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the quickest ways to check:

• Opening and closing hours
• Holiday schedule updates
• Busy hours
• Customer reviews
• Delivery availability

Many locations also update special holiday hours directly on Google listings.

3. Delivery Apps

Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub often show live restaurant availability and late-night operating hours. This is especially useful during weekends and holidays.

4. Mobile App

The Dave’s Hot Chicken app can help customers:

• Find nearby locations
• Check operating hours
• Order ahead for pickup
• View delivery options
• Access rewards and promotions

From our experience, app listings usually update faster than some third-party websites during holiday schedule changes.

Tips Before Visiting

Planning ahead can make your visit to Dave’s Hot much smoother, especially during weekends, holidays, and busy dinner hours. Since the restaurant is popular for Nashville-style spicy chicken, long lines and wait times are common during peak hours.

Here are some helpful tips before visiting:

Check Store Hours First

Some locations may change operating hours during holidays, local events, or bad weather. Checking online before leaving can save time.

Avoid Peak Dinner Hours

The busiest times are usually:

• 6 PM to 9 PM
• Friday and Saturday nights
• Holiday weekends

Visiting during the afternoon is often faster and less crowded.

Order Online for Faster Pickup

Using the official app or delivery apps can help skip long lines during busy hours. Pickup orders are usually quicker than ordering at the counter.

Try Group Meals for Better Value

Hot Boxes, slider combos, and tender platters are popular choices for families, parties, and friend gatherings because they feed multiple people at once.

Be Careful with Reaper Spice Level

The Reaper heat level is extremely spicy and may require signing a waiver at some locations. If you are new to Nashville hot chicken, Medium or Hot levels are usually easier to enjoy.

Keep Cooling Drinks Nearby

Lemonade, sweet tea, milkshakes, or extra sauce can help balance the heat from spicy tenders and sliders.

Holiday Deals and Rewards

Although Dave’s Hot does not usually release a special holiday menu, some locations offer:

• App-only discounts
• Combo meal deals
• Rewards points promotions
• Limited-time bundles

Frequent customers can also earn rewards through the restaurant’s loyalty program.

Popular Late-Night Orders

Some of the most common late-night and holiday orders include:

• Hot Box Tenders
• Hot Box Sliders
• 2 Sliders with Fries
• 2 Tenders with Fries
• Mac & Cheese
• Cauli Sliders and Cauli Bites

Group meals become especially popular during weekends and sports events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What time does Dave’s Hot open?

Most locations open between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, depending on the restaurant location.

What time does Dave’s restaurant close?

Many locations close around 12:00 AM, while some restaurants stay open until 1:00 AM on weekends.

Is open on Christmas Day?

No, most Dave’s Hot Chicken locations remain closed on Christmas Day.

Is Dave’s Hot open on Thanksgiving?

Most locations close on Thanksgiving Day, although some areas may have limited hours.

Does Dave’s Hot stay open late on weekends?

Yes, many restaurants stay open later on Friday and Saturday nights because of high customer demand.

Are holiday hours the same at every location?

No. Operating hours may vary depending on the city, franchise owner, and local demand.

How can I check my location?

You can check through: Google Maps, The official website, Delivery apps, The Dave’s Hot Chicken mobile app

Can I order delivery during holidays?

Yes, many locations continue offering delivery and pickup during holidays when stores are open.

What are the busiest HOURS?

Dinner time between 6 PM and 9 PM is usually the busiest, especially on weekends and holidays.

Is Dave’s Hot open on Easter Sunday?

Many locations stay open on Easter Sunday, but some restaurants may operate with shorter hours.