Usher Brings Dave’s Hot Chicken to Atlanta With Grand Opening Celebration

The renowned Nashville-style hot chicken phenomenon Dave’s Hot Chicken, which began as a pop-up in an East Hollywood parking lot seven years ago, announced on Tuesday, Aug. 27, that it is celebrating the grand opening of its first Georgia restaurant in the Atlanta suburb of Conyers.

The restaurant is owned by entertainment icon Usher. Two of the longest-tenured Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisees, Lawrence Kourie and Andrew Feghali, are his business partners.

In honor of the restaurant’s big opening at 1447 Hwy 138 SE, Dave’s Hot Chicken is throwing a feast of fried chicken and spice for fans as well as for anyone looking for amazing entertainment. Leading drone show experts SkyElements will assist in celebrating Dave’s Georgia launch on Thursday, Aug. 29, at around 9 p.m. with a spectacular drone display that will grandly and immersively tell the company’s narrative.

Drake, who was named Artist of the Decade by Billboard, has long been a significant investor in the business, though this is Usher’s first investment.

“Once I tried Dave’s Hot Chicken and spoke with the founders of the brand, I knew I wanted to be involved with the company. I’m excited to open Atlanta’s first Dave’s Hot Chicken and look forward to everyone from my hometown trying it,” said Usher, in a statement furnished to RetailWire.

“Dave’s Hot Chicken continues to gain traction from coast-to-coast, from our passionate guests to international superstars,” said the company’s CEO, Bill Phelps. “Our focus remains on making the most craveable, hottest and juiciest hot chicken on the planet, and we’re thrilled to partner with Usher to bring Dave’s to Georgia.”

Usher’s endorsement of the brand can only mean big things for the growing fast-food chain.

According to research conducted by Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse, a celebrity endorsement boosts a company’s sales by an average of 4% in comparison to its competitors’ offerings. Elberse claimed in a CNN editorial that celebrities allow companies to reach their fan base and reassure buyers about the caliber of the product being promoted.

“Consumers often cannot easily assess the true quality of products, at least not before they consume them. But seeing a celebrity attaching his or her name and good reputation to a product may help alleviate some of their uncertainty,” she wrote in the column.