North Carolina’s first location of Dave’s Hot Chicken will open at Independence Mall on Friday. The Southern California-based eatery specializes in hot chicken tenders and sliders, with spice levels that range from very mild to “reaper.” Side dishes include house-made kale slaw, creamy macaroni and cheese and crispy or cheese fries.
 
Not only is the Wilmington franchise Dave’s first in the state – it’s the first on the East Coast. The fast-growing franchise began when trained chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends launched a pop-up in an East Hollywood, California, parking lot in 2017. When the concept proved popular, they expanded to brick-and-mortar locations on the West Coast, Texas, the Midwest and in Ontario, Canada.
 
Morrisville, North Carolina-based franchise owners Russell and Loreen Hansen will open a Dave’s Hot Chicken in Raleigh next. Ultimately, they plan a total of 10 locations in the state.
 
The new eatery at 3530 Oleander Drive boasts the chain’s distinctively wild and colorful interior. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
 
A new neighbor of Dave’s Hot Chicken in the mall’s restaurant strip is also fresh to Wilmington. Aye! Toro Tacos and Tequila, which opened in February at 3540 Oleander Drive, is the restaurant concept’s third location. The other Aye! Toro restaurants are in Sanford and Holly Springs.
 
The Mexican-inspired eatery offers an extensive menu, but owner Antonio Colin said specialties are chimichangas and tacos of various descriptions, including the quesabirria taco, with its special marinated meat. Beverages include margaritas and mojitos.
 
Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Aye! Toro is temporarily closed on Monday, Colin said.