Dave's Hot Chicken opens in Augusta ahead of Masters

The popular Nashville-style chicken chain arrives in Georgia just in time for golf's biggest event.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:45am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen illustration featuring a single fried chicken tender repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in a bold neon color palette with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the arrival of a new comfort food destination in Augusta.Dave's Hot Chicken's bold, spicy fried chicken tenders are the star of the show as the brand opens its first location in Augusta, Georgia.Augusta Today

Dave's Hot Chicken, a fast-growing Nashville-style fried chicken restaurant chain, has opened its first location in Augusta, Georgia, just ahead of the 2026 Masters golf tournament. The new restaurant aims to capitalize on the influx of visitors to the area for the prestigious annual PGA event.

Why it matters

The arrival of a popular national chain like Dave's Hot Chicken is a sign of Augusta's growing culinary scene and its ability to attract high-profile brands, especially around major sporting events that draw large crowds to the city.

The details

Dave's Hot Chicken opened its Augusta outpost on March 27, 2026, offering its signature menu of spicy fried chicken tenders and sliders. The chain is known for its bold flavors and customizable spice levels, ranging from 'No Spice' to 'Reaper', the hottest option. The new Augusta location marks the brand's first foray into the Georgia market.

  • Dave's Hot Chicken opened its Augusta location on March 27, 2026.
  • The 2026 Masters golf tournament is scheduled to take place April 9-12, 2026.

The players

Dave's Hot Chicken

A fast-growing Nashville-style fried chicken restaurant chain that is opening its first location in Augusta, Georgia.

Augusta, Georgia

The city hosting the annual Masters golf tournament, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to bring Dave's Hot Chicken to Augusta just in time for the Masters. This is a perfect market for our bold flavors and we can't wait to serve the community.”

— Bill Phelps, Co-founder, Dave's Hot Chicken

What’s next

Dave's Hot Chicken plans to continue its rapid expansion across the Southeast, with additional locations expected to open in Georgia and neighboring states in the coming years.

The takeaway

The arrival of a popular national fried chicken brand like Dave's Hot Chicken is a sign of Augusta's growing culinary reputation and its ability to attract high-profile businesses, especially around marquee sporting events that draw large crowds to the city.