Dave Martinez
Founder & Head Chef
The man, the myth, the heat. Dave's obsession with bold flavors and perfect chicken has been the driving force since day one. His secret spice blend remains family-only.
Our Story
About Dave's Hot Chicken
dave's hot chicken was born from a passion for bold flavors and a belief that truly great chicken deserves to be shared. Discover the story, the team, and the values behind every fiery bite.
10+
Years of Fire
Who We Are
The Story Behind daves hot chicken
It all started with a backyard cookout and a secret spice blend that left every guest speechless. Dave, a self-taught chef from Medford, Oregon, had been perfecting his hot chicken recipe for years — layering heat with depth, smoke with sweetness, and crunch with juicy, tender meat.
In 2014, what began as a passion project transformed into Dave's hot chicken — a neighborhood favorite that quickly outgrew its humble roots. Word spread fast: this wasn't just spicy food, it was an experience. Today, daves hot chicken serves thousands of loyal fans across the United States, staying true to the original recipes that started it all.
- Signature spice blends crafted in-house daily
- Locally sourced, fresh ingredients every morning
- Family-owned and community-focused since 2014
- Award-winning recipes recognized across Oregon
Our Purpose
Mission, Vision & Promise
Everything we do at dave hot chicken is guided by three core commitments that shape every dish we craft and every customer we serve.
Our Mission
To bring bold, authentic hot chicken to every table — made with love, fire, and the freshest ingredients we can source. We exist to turn a meal into a memory.
Our Vision
To become the most beloved hot chicken destination in the United States — a place where bold flavors unite communities and every visit feels like coming home.
Our Promise
We promise to never cut corners on quality, always listen to our guests, and keep the spirit of daves chicken alive in every order — whether it's your first or your hundredth.
Our Community
We believe great food brings people together. That's why we actively partner with local farms, schools, and charities to give back to the communities that built us.
Our Journey
How daves chicken Grew
From a backyard grill to a beloved restaurant — here's the journey that shaped dave's hot chicken into what it is today.
2014
The First Flame
Dave begins perfecting his hot chicken recipe at backyard cookouts in Medford, OR. Friends and neighbors can't get enough — the legend begins.
2016
Pop-Up to Permanent
Dave's hot chicken launches its first pop-up stand at the Medford Farmers Market. Sold out in under two hours every single weekend for three months straight.
2018
Opening the Doors
The brick-and-mortar location opens at 1363 Center Dr, Medford. Lines stretch around the block on opening day — a dream realized.
2020
Adapting & Thriving
During challenging times, daves hot chicken pivots to online ordering and delivery, building a loyal digital customer base and expanding reach statewide.
2022
Award-Winning Recognition
Named "Oregon's Best Hot Chicken" by Pacific Northwest Food Magazine. Dave's recipe earns national attention and a feature in three major food publications.
2024
Expanding the Fire
Dave's hot chicken launches catering services and a full online menu, making it easier than ever to bring the heat to your event, office, or home.
What Drives Us
Core Values That Define Us
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision we make at dave's hot chicken, from kitchen to counter.
01
Passion First
Every dish is made with genuine love for the craft. Our team pours heart and soul into every spice blend, every batter, every plate.
02
Fresh Always
We never compromise on freshness. Our ingredients are sourced daily from local suppliers who share our commitment to quality.
03
Community Roots
We were built by this community and we give back constantly — through partnerships, donations, and by being a welcoming space for all.
04
Relentless Quality
We hold ourselves to the highest standards. Every order that leaves our kitchen must be something we'd be proud to serve our own family.
05
Guest Delight
A satisfied customer is good. A delighted one who comes back and brings friends? That's what we live for. Every interaction matters.
06
Sustainable Spirit
We minimize waste, choose eco-friendly packaging, and support sustainable farming because the planet deserves the same care we give our food.
The People
Meet the Team Behind Dave's Hot Chicken
Our crew is a passionate family of food lovers, flavor chasers, and hospitality champions. Every person here plays a vital role in making dave's hot chicken what it is.
Maria Chen
Operations Manager
Maria keeps the fire running smooth. With a decade of restaurant management experience, she ensures every guest experience at daves hot chicken is flawless.
Jordan Hayes
Executive Sous Chef
Culinary school graduate turned spice evangelist. Jordan develops seasonal menu items and works closely with Dave to push the boundaries of daves chicken's flavor profiles.
Priya Kapoor
Guest Experience Lead
Priya is the heart of our hospitality. Her warmth and dedication ensure every guest feels welcome the moment they walk through our doors.
Want to join our passionate team? We're always looking for people who love food as much as we do.
Get in Touch