When Does Dave's Hot Chicken in Grandville Open?

West Michigan fast food fans have had a lot to track lately, from Raising Cane’s opening its first local spot with more on the way, to Shake Shack plotting its future location near Woodland Mall. Earlier this year, news broke that Grand Rapids would be getting West Michigan's very first Dave’s Hot Chicken on 28th Street.

Shortly after that announcement, eagle-eyed locals in Grandville spotted a sign going up on 44th Street and started asking questions. Rumors began circulating that the Grandville spot might actually cross the finish line before the 28th Street store.

As it turns out, those rumors were spot on!

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When is Dave's Hot Chicken in Grandville Opening?

The official grand opening date for Dave’s Hot Chicken in Grandville is set for Friday, October 9!

Interestingly enough, if you check the official Dave’s Hot Chicken website right now, the Grandville location still is not listed. That makes this announcement feel like a bit of an insider secret for local fans who have been watching the space closely!

The new restaurant is located at 3148 44th St. SW, right in the shopping strip near Target and Bucktown.

How the News Dropped

Instead of sending out a big corporate press release, Dave’s Hot Chicken shared the news rather quietly on social media. They posted a video reel featuring someone taste-testing their Reaper tenders, and the caption revealed the magic details local chicken lovers were waiting for: confirmation of the Friday, October 9 opening.

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Local foodie influencers like Dondre Cierra have already managed to get inside for a sneak peek at the new space, and the local excitement is building up!

What Is Dave’s Hot Chicken and Why Is Everyone So Hyped?

If you haven't kept up with the craze, Dave’s started back in 2017 as a tiny street-food stand in a Los Angeles parking lot. Thanks to word-of-mouth and big celebrity investors like Drake, it quickly turned into one of the fastest-growing fast-food chains in the country.

Their menu keeps things simple with jumbo Nashville-style chicken tenders and sliders, paired with crinkle-cut fries, mac and cheese, milkshakes, kale slaw, and hot mozz (mozzarella planks).

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Pick Your Spice Level

The big draw is customizing your heat level. Dave’s offers seven options on the menu:

No Spice
Lite Mild
Mild
Medium
Hot
Extra Hot
Reaper

Which spice level are you going to test out first?

If you're planning to check out the new Grandville location this weekend, prepare for some long lines on 44th Street.

When is Dave's Hot Chicken in Grand Rapids Opening?

Oh, and if you're curious about the Grand Rapids Dave's Hot Chicken moving into a former Wendy's on 28th Street, a grand opening date has not been revealed. Rumors point to the new restaurant opening in spring 2027.

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Looking for new restaurants to try in West Michigan in 2026?

From Grand Rapids to Holland, Cascade, Grandville, and East Grand Rapids, a variety of restaurants have opened so far this year, and this gallery keeps track of them all.

You’ll find fresh sandwiches, Caribbean and Indian cuisine, Cajun and seafood boils, late-night bites, comfort food, pizza, and more.

Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a family-friendly dinner, a salad bar, or a late-night snack, there is something new for every taste. This gallery will be updated throughout the year as more restaurants open, so check back often to see what is new and worth trying!

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From fresh bakeries and authentic Mexican restaurants to Cajun eateries, burger joints, Vietnamese spots, vegan places, a footlong hot dog establishment, and even a beloved Grand Rapids breakfast and lunch favorite brought back to life, there’s something for every taste. Don’t miss the new bars and food trucks shaking things up too!

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