Here's what's taking the place of BurgerFi in the Butler Town Center.

Alan Festo, Gainesville Sun
·2 min read
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A Los Angeles-based chicken concept backed by plenty of celebrity star power is coming soon to Gainesville.

Ashley Bryant, vice president of marketing for Butler Enterprises, told The Sun in an email on Tuesday that Dave's Hot Chicken plans to open in the former BurgerFi location in the Butler Town Center, 3524 SW Archer Road, in Gainesville.

According, to Bryant, the Gainesville BurgerFi closed due to the franchise owner retiring.

Notable investors in the chain include Canadian rapper and singer Drake, actor Samuel L. Jackson, "Good Morning America" anchor and former NFL star Michael Strahan, former California first lady Maria Shriver and Boston Red Sox owner Tom Werner.

Dave's Hot Chicken plans to open five restaurants in the Jacksonville and Gainesville areas over the next few years.
Dave's Hot Chicken plans to open five restaurants in the Jacksonville and Gainesville areas over the next few years.

The restaurant's humble roots began in an East Hollywood parking lot in 2017. It has since grown to more than 200 locations across the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Current Florida locations in operation include those in Tampa, Orlando, Lake Mary and Altamonte Springs.

Entrepreneurs Tim Jensen, Jesse Allen, Andrew Hamerling and Tom Devine plan to open at least five Dave's Hot Chicken locations in the Gainesville and Jacksonville area over the next few years.

“As we join forces with the Northeast Florida group, we see this as a notable step toward elevating our brand’s presence in dynamic markets across the country,” said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, in a press release issued last fall. “We look forward to being an integral part of Florida’s ever-evolving food scene as we diversify the culinary landscape with the bold flavors of Dave’s Hot Chicken.”

The restaurant's simple menu includes tenders and sliders tossed in your choice of sauce. Those who can't stand the heat can select from "No Spice" or "Lite Mild," while those looking for a deep burn can try "Extra Hot" or "Reaper."

Side items available include fries, cheese fries, mac & cheese and kale slaw.

Joshua Levitt, who handles media relations for Dave's Hot Chicken, wrote in a text message Thursday that the restaurant is expected to open this year during the late third or early fourth quarter.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Dave's Hot Chicken replacing BurgerFi in Butler shopping plaza