Elvis Woodine of Manchester calls out the number of customers in line to the kitchen while putting orders together at Dave’s Hot Chicken in Manchester last week.
THE CHICKEN CRAZE continues to expand on South Willow Street in Manchester with the opening of Dave’s Hot Chicken, a fast-growing chain specializing in Nashville hot chicken.
The place is bringing the heat to the Queen City with seven various spice levels ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper,” which requires a signed waiver.
“Not for the faint of heart,” said franchise owner Al Graziano, who also opened a spot in Portsmouth.
In the past two years he has opened eight locations across New England and hopes to add more in New Hampshire.
Unique to the location are the graffiti-laden walls, which includes naming Manchester as the “Chicken Tender Capital of the World” — a sign that the recent movement is taking off. An older moniker “ManchVegas” also made the cut in the mix of sketches and 3D designs that pop off the wall.
Dave’s Hot Chicken was busy during its soft opening in Manchester on Thursday.
DAVID LANE/UNION LEADER
Graziano had no say in the art, which was designed off the cuff by two street artists from Splatter Haus in Los Angeles. The duo flies around the country and gains inspiration as they arrive at different locations.
“Two days later you get a masterpiece of just unique art in every location, which is unique for a franchise to begin with, ” he said. “Most franchises like everything uniform across the board.”
The Manchester location quietly opened inside the former Flight Center Taphouse & Eatery at 1071 S. Willow St. last week. Lines started to form once people caught on. The company was named America’s fastest-growing restaurant chain by industry research firm Technomic.
The flagship location for Graziano also has space for human resources, payroll and group training space for the entire Northeast.
Jodie Nazaka, director of economic development for the city of Manchester, said the department started reaching out to Graziano on LinkedIn about a year ago. They worked with him to find a spot and work his way through city permitting.
The menu is simple and sticks with jumbo hot chicken tenders and sliders, which has Dave’s sauce, pickles and “house-made Kale Slaw” on a potato roll. Graziano recommends putting a little honey in the mix. Sides include the kale slaw, mac and cheese and french fries.
Elvis Woodine of Manchester calls out the number of customers in line to the kitchen while putting orders together at Dave’s Hot Chicken in Manchester last week.
DAVID LANE/
UNION LEADER
The restaurant started in 2017 when four friends set up a portable fryer and picnic tables from their backyards in a parking lot in Hollywood.
“They got picked up by Eater magazine and from there it blew up like wildfire,” Graziano said. “It got so hot, so quick.”
South Willow is already home to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and coming soon is Raising Cane’s, known for its chicken fingers, but Dave’s holds its own.
“I like to call us the cool uncle,” Graziano said. “You come here and you’re going to have a good time, we have good music and the food is just fantastic. It is just different. The flavors you get here you are not going to get in any other chicken place or restaurant.”
Also making an appearance at the official ribbon cutting was Nick Lavallee, who spearheaded the “Chicken Tender Capital” initiative, which became an official proclamation on July 27.
“Chicken tenders are deliciously non-divisive and truly bring the people of Manchester together,” he wrote on Facebook after the visit.
Grand Buffet torn down
The landscape along Route 101A in Nashua is changing with the Grand Buffet building being torn down. The place permanently closed in 2020.
The all-you-can-eat buffet served American, Chinese, Japanese sushi and Italian cuisine.
Other businesses on the property include K.T. Cleaners and Habitat for Humanity.
A more than 15,000-square-foot retail development at 350 Amherst St. is under construction now.
Plans show both restaurant and retail space ranging from 2,800 square feet to 6,000 square feet, but the owner is willing to customize the floor plans.
Wine bar to close
Ciao Trattoria and Wine Bar, which opened in Durham a year ago, officially closed Saturday. The restaurant was known for serving “Italian cuisines with culinary creativity.”
“We want to thank all who have dined with us & most importantly thank our amazing staff,” a post on Facebook reads.
Owners Doug and Kim Clark also operate Clark’s American Bistro, which opened in October 2020.
Rebranding in Keene
Established in 2002, Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe in Keene is now known simply as LUCA. The restaurant is located at 10 Central Square.
The new space now includes a lounge creating “the perfect spot to unwind, socialize, and savor delicious bites” in the new space. Thursday nights feature a “smashing great burger bar” with $10 specials.
“LUCA just got a major upgrade, and we can’t wait for you to experience the ultimate chill vibes at our brand-new lounge!” a post on Instagram reads.
Indian eats
In North Conway, a new Indian restaurant, Haveli Indian Cuisine, opened at the Garg Plaza at 1857 White Mountain Highway. The restaurant was issued a liquor license on Jan. 18.
“Let’s sizzle it up !!!!” a post on Facebook reads.
