From Rochester to the Twin Cities: Dave’s Hot Chicken Is Growing Again in MN

If you have a palate that was formed in Minnesota, you might be a little bit leery of the word "Hot" in the restaurant name of Dave's Hot Chicken.  I promise you, you don't have to be scared.

A few months ago, I was at the soft opening for the new Dave's Hot Chicken restaurant in Rochester, and not only was the food amazing, but I love the look of this new spot to grab a bite to eat.  If you've never experienced a Dave's Hot Chicken, get ready, because it sounds like three new locations are planning to open in our state in 2026.

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Three New Dave's Hot Chicken Restaurants Hopefully Opening Soon in Minnesota

When a company lands on the top of Yelp's #1 Top Brand List, you know this is a place you should check out.  In 2025, Dave's Hot Chicken is the top pick and based on the latest report from Bring Me The News, it sounds like even more Minnesotans will soon have a chance to enjoy this restaurant.  I'll share where the new locations are being planned below.

Last year, the Rochester area got excited when it was announced that Kris Humphries was helping bring the first Dave's Hot Chicken to the Med City area, adding to the already 300ish in existence.  Here's a glimpse of what you can expect when you order for the first time:

• Choose Your Heat
  • These range from No Spice to Reaper.  If you pick Reaper, you will need to sign a waiver.  And no, I'm not joking.

• A "slider" in Dave's Hot Chicken world is a full sandwich.  It's not an itty-bitty thing that will leave you with an empty stomach.

• LOOK around!  The graffiti art on the walls at the Rochester location were created by splatterhaus and dehmq and feature some familiar sites of Rochester mixed in with the branding for Dave's Hot Chicken.  It will be interesting to see what the other locations have on the walls.

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Proposed Locations For The Three New Dave's Hot Chicken Restaurants In Minnesota

Based on the latest report from Bring Me The News, it sounds like the following locations have the potential to transform into a Dave's Hot Chicken soon:

• 3301 Hazelton Rd, Edina (the old Wendy's)
• 16490 78th Street W, Eden Prairie
• 5910 Neal Ave N, Oak Park Heights (the old Taco John's)

Details and plans are still under review for at least two of those locations.

Watch Dave's Hot Chicken's Instagram page for updates.  That's how I found out about the soft opening for the Rochester location.

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