American fast food chain opening in UK says it fears signature dish is too spicy for Brits

Taste testers left in tears

The Nashville-styled hot chicken chain, founded in LA in 2017 by three childhood friends, Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan and Tommy Rubenyan, is opening the outlet in London Piccadilly on 7 December, according to The Caterer.

The chain has grown rapidly, acquiring 200 sites in just six years.

However, despite the exciting announcement that its empire is expanding across the pond, it has its reservations that UK customers will be able to handle one of its famous spicy dishes.

Dave's ultra-hot Reaper chicken requires customers to sign a waiver to try it - but the company says it is 'unsure' it will add the dish to the menu in the UK after some tasters were left in tears.

"The decision to include the risky Carolina Reaper is yet to be made," the company said.

The managing director of Dave's Hot Chicken UK, Jim Attwood told The Caterer: "After conducting taste tests here in the UK, we found the Reaper to be so hot that it left participants crying from the sheer heat of the spice mix.

"We are still in discussions as to whether the Reaper will make it onto UK plates. Of course, if the nation truly wants to test the hottest chicken in the world, we could be convinced."

The first Dave’s Hot Chicken will open at 40 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, on Saturday, 7th December from 12pm, offering six spice levels.

Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, said: “From frying hot chicken in an LA parking lot with nothing but $900 and a dream to set up shop in one of the most iconic cities in the world, we’ve come a long way – and we’re only getting started.

“We’ve worked tirelessly with our UK team to deliver the bold flavours and tongue-tingling spice that have made us a cult sensation here in the USA. And we’re not just bringing the heat – we’re bringing the full Dave’s experience over for Brits. This opening marks the first in our plan to open up to 60 restaurants across both the UK & Ireland in the coming years.”

Fans thought the announcement was a good marketing ploy with one commenting: "Of course it will be served and everyone will try it now to prove it’s not to hot Marketing at its very best."

Another said: "100% bollox it’s too hot. We literally have some of the hottest food on the planet ffs, it’s like they’ve done absolutely zero research on our food or cultural dishes lol what’s the bet they serve it an we ask for extra hot sauce to improve it."

Question is, would you try it?