Uber-popular chain Dave’s Hot Chicken has spread its wings to Schertz. The booming franchise quietly debuted its third area restaurant in the new Schertz Station shopping center at 18476 IH-35 N. #500 during a “secret soft opening” on January 8.

The concept was originally opened as a parking lot pop-up in 2017 by classically trained chef Dave Kopushyan, an alum of Thomas Keller’s acclaimed Bouchon restaurant. Since then, Dave’s has mushroomed to multiple brick-and-mortar locations across the United States. The brand introduced itself to San Antonio in late 2022 with an outpost at 9602 Texas Hwy. 151 #108.

During that time, Dave’s has seduced an A-list roster of investors. The chain counts rapper Drake, actor Samuel L. Jackson, former NFL player and TV host Michael Strahan, former California First Lady Maria Shriver, producer and Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner, and R&B singer Usher among the stars who have put their money where their mouth is.

At least on paper, Dave’s offerings aren't much different from other spots following the still red-hot Nashville-style hot chicken trend. The restaurant serves halal chicken tenders and sandwiches at seven different spice levels, reaching a fiery peak at Reaper, which requires customers to sign a waiver. The menu also includes sides like cheese fries, kale slaw, and mac & cheese. Milkshakes — available plain or with Fruity Pebbles or Oreo toppers — help keep the burn at bay.

Like its sibling locations, the Schertz Dave’s is decorated with a graffiti mural from Los Angeles-based art collective Splatter Haus. The custom piece has plenty of nods to its hometown with a Spurs basketball and a wink to the “Battle of 3009” Clemens and Steele High School rivalry.

Dave’s has yet to update the location's hours on its website, but its Google Business profile says it is open 11 am-10 pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 11 am- 11 pm, Friday and Saturday.

Still to come at the buzzy Schertz Station development are three other rapidly growing chains: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, CAVA, and the first San Antonio area location of Chicago’s beloved Portillo’s.