Dave’s Hot Chicken Opens in Shelby With Local Performances and Ribbon Cutting
Dave’s Hot Chicken has officially opened its Shelby, North Carolina, restaurant, bringing a new fast-casual chicken option to East Dixon Boulevard.
The restaurant opened its doors on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at 1245 E. Dixon Blvd., with an opening-day celebration that included a ribbon-cutting, local student performances, and participation from community representatives.
The Shelby opening featured a program that highlighted several local school groups. Students from Shelby High School drumline, Crest High School JROTC, Shelby High Chorus, and Crest Middle School banjo players took part in the celebration.
The event combined the restaurant’s official opening ceremony with performances from local students and appearances from city, county, and community representatives. Shelby Mayor Stan Anthony and Cleveland County Commissioner Doug Bridges attended the opening.
Mayor Anthony shared a brief welcome during the celebration, saying, “We’re thrilled to have you all here. We like our chicken.”
A New Chicken Restaurant in Shelby
Located at 1245 E. Dixon Blvd., the Shelby restaurant began welcoming customers at 10:30 a.m. on opening day.
The restaurant serves Nashville-style hot chicken, with a menu that includes sliders, tenders, and bites. The official Shelby location information specifically highlights sliders and tenders among its offerings.
The menu also features seven spice levels, ranging from “Not Hot” to “Reaper.” The spice range gives customers different heat options while keeping the restaurant’s menu focused on its Nashville-style hot chicken offerings.
Local Students Join the Opening
The opening celebration included performances from students representing several Shelby-area schools.
The Shelby High School drumline, Crest High School JROTC, Shelby High Chorus, and Crest Middle School banjo players were part of the event, adding a local community element to the ribbon-cutting.
The participation of local student groups was part of the opening program, which also included city, county, and community representatives. The event marked the restaurant’s official arrival in Shelby with a celebration involving local organizations and officials.
Hours and Location
Dave’s Hot Chicken is located at:
1245 E. Dixon Blvd.
Shelby, North Carolina
The restaurant opened to customers at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
Regular operating hours are:
- Sunday–Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to midnight
- Friday–Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
The Shelby location’s menu includes sliders, tenders, and bites, along with seven spice levels that range from Not Hot to Reaper.
With its opening on East Dixon Boulevard, Dave’s Hot Chicken gives Shelby residents another fast-casual chicken option in the community. The restaurant’s first day included a formal ribbon-cutting, performances by local students, and participation from area representatives as the new location began serving customers.
