Usher opens Dave’s Hot Chicken in Conyers, surprise drone show lights up the sky

By Mackenzie N. Morgan

CONYERS, GA — Conyers welcomed a sizzling new addition on Thursday, Aug. 29, to its main food highway. R&B star Usher Raymond opened his Dave’s Hot Chicken at 447 Hwy 138 SE at the former Krystal’s restaurant.

Usher has teamed up with franchise owners Lawrence Kourie and Andrew Feghali to open multiple locations in the metro Atlanta area. The Conyers restaurant is the chain’s first location in Georgia.

Lines of cars and hungry customers snaked around the building beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday during the restaurant’s soft opening. There was a steady crowd throughout the day and when nightfall came, customers were treated to a drone show.

Known for its modern, vibrant décor and its hot chicken tenders and sliders, Dave’s offers a seven-level spice scale from “No Spice” to “Reaper,” along with sides that include French fries, macaroni and cheese and kale slaw. The menu also features a variety of decadent milkshakes.

“I’ve been looking forward to the opening,” said Maya Hampton, a Conyers resident, who had been following the franchise’s expansion news. “I’ve heard so much about Dave’s Hot Chicken, and I’m excited to try it right here in Conyers.”

Dave’s Hot Chicken, named the fastest-growing chain in the nation in 2022, started as a late-night spot in East Hollywood, CA in 2017. The company has 200 locations in the U.S. and has plans to open several more locations.

In addition to Usher, other well-known investors in Dave’s Hot Chicken include Samuel L. Jackson, Drake, Michael Strahan and Maria Shriver.

Photos and video by Mackenzie N. Morgan.