Dave’s Hot Chicken Ignites Its First Footprint in Mercer County with Bold New Hamilton Location

In a former Boston Market, Dave’s Hot Chicken opened in Hamilton, Mercer County. On October 3, the store debuted at 770 Route 33 with in-store dining and hopes to develop local popularity.

The expansion demonstrates Dave’s Hot Chicken’s commercial ambitions. It started as a 2017 Hollywood pop-up and is now Nashville-style fast-casual. Over 300 locations in the U.S., Canada, Qatar, and Dubai are backed by celebrities and institutions. The brand has expanded in New Jersey to Wayne, Brick, Cherry Hill, East Brunswick, Kearny, Ocean Township, Paramus, Secaucus, Sicklerville, Union, and others.

Hamilton replaces a Boston Market facility that was unoccupied after the rotisserie chain closed many outlets owing to financial and operational concerns. Boston Market closed many stores nationwide due to unpaid rent and utilities in recent years. Changing fast-food markets are giving rising brands valuable sites.

Customized spice at Dave’s Hot Chicken. Customer levels range from “No Spice” to “Reaper”. With sliders, tenders, sandwiches, mac & cheese, kale slaw, and cheddar fries, the menu offers affordability, variety, and heat. The Hamilton location opens at 10:30 a.m. daily and serves late on weekends.

Opening in Mercer County is strategic and significant. Residents and passersby are drawn to Hamilton’s lively food scene and proximity to major transportation corridors. Vacant restaurant space cuts development costs and speeds Dave’s market entry.

This opening is part of a franchise expansion strategy beyond its immediate consequences. Dave’s Hot Chicken wants to open over 150 locations by 2025 in suburban and metropolitan areas where fast-casual food is popular. Leveraging its early success in northern counties and now central places like Mercer, the brand may grow in New Jersey alone.

Community reaction in Hamilton matters. If traffic, orders, and local chatter are positive, this site could grow similar New Jersey towns. The opening highlights how fast casual restaurants are gaining market share with strong cuisines, franchises, and real estate.

Sources
NJBIZ “Dave’s Hot Chicken takes over former Boston Market in Central Jersey”
WPST “Grand Opening for Dave’s Hot Chicken in Hamilton, NJ”
Dave’s Hot Chicken official site