LEON DAVOYAN
DAVE ’ S HOT CHICKEN
By 2021 , Dave ’ s Hot Chicken had more than 30 locations in states including Colorado , Texas and Ohio and further expanded into Wisconsin , Florida and New Jersey in 2022 . This marked a critical turning point for the brand . As the restaurant chain scaled up , it became clear that Dave ’ s was ready to compete with other major fastcasual chains . The move from being a regional phenomenon to becoming a national powerhouse was a significant milestone . The company then set its sights even higher , expanding internationally with locations in Toronto , Dubai , Doha and Riyadh . The global appeal of Dave ’ s Hot Chicken , with its unique spice levels and craveworthy flavours , proved that the brand ’ s popularity wasn ’ t confined to US borders . With the UK next on its list , it is clear that Dave ’ s ambitions are truly global .
Leon Davoyan , Chief Technology Officer at Dave ’ s Hot Chicken , is well placed to discuss the organisation ’ s ongoing global transformation . With responsibility for ensuring the brand leads the way when it comes to tech and innovation , Leon ’ s own career had beginnings not unlike Dave ’ s founders .
He began in hospitality at Universal Studios in 1994 , before quickly venturing into the point of sale ( POS ) department at a time when POS systems were “ very new ”.
“ Since then , I ’ ve just been down this career journey of working for high growth companies , be that it ’ s a QSR brand or a quick casual
“ People ask me , ‘ how do you grow a company so quickly ?’. And my answer is always to invest in the right solution for where you ’ going , not for right now
LEON DAVOYAN CTO , DAVE ’ S HOT CHICKEN
LEON DAVOYAN
TITLE : CTO
Leon is an innovative technology leader with a proven record in driving digital transformation and global expansion across industries like hospitality , entertainment and gaming . Starting in theme parks , his career has spanned leadership roles in quick service , fine dining , gaming , nightlife and hotels , helping three companies grow from startup to global brands . As CTO of Dave ’ s Hot Chicken , he leads technology strategies to scale the business and maintain its position as the fastest growing chain in America , leveraging innovation to stay relevant with its core demographic in a rapidly evolving landscape .
6 daveshotchicken . com