Subway’s $1B Deal: How Dave’s Hot Chicken Impacts eCommerce

A Spicy $1 Billion Deal That’s More Than Just Chicken

Did someone say billion-dollar chicken? That’s right! In a sizzling move that’s got the food and franchise world talking, Roark Capital, the powerhouse behind brands like Subway, Arby’s, Dunkin’, and Baskin-Robbins, just added Dave’s Hot Chicken to its massive portfolio. According to Bloomberg, this deal values the Nashville-style chicken sensation at over $1 billion!

While that might sound like spicy gossip from the fast-food world, there’s more to this move than meets the fryer. For savvy franchise owners, digital marketers, and eCommerce-focused entrepreneurs, this is a wake-up call. The message is loud and clear: go digital or go home.

Roark Capital’s Finger-Lickin’ Strategy

Roark Capital isn’t just tossing chicken into a bucket. They’re building a digital-first empire of QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants) that are future-ready. With over 35+ food brands in its roster, the private equity firm is betting big on scalable, franchise-driven, tech-powered food businesses.

So why Dave’s Hot Chicken? Here’s what sets them apart:

• Started as a parking lot pop-up in Los Angeles.
• Grew to over 170 locations across the U.S. and internationally.
• Massive cult following on TikTok and Instagram.
• Online-ordering-first mindset from the beginning.

Clearly, it’s not just about spicy sliders – it’s about spicy digital strategy.

Digital Is the Secret Sauce: How Tech Drives Franchise Growth

Dave’s Hot Chicken isn’t just selling food – they’re selling a digital experience. Customers don’t wait in line; they order on apps, schedule deliveries, and track orders like they would an Uber ride. That’s how you scale a franchise in 2025.

Let’s break it down:

• eCommerce for restaurants is booming in the U.S.
• According to QSR Magazine, brands using mobile ordering and digital payments see up to 30% higher ticket sizes.
• Online ordering systems in the USA are now standard, not optional.

Franchises that don’t adapt? They’re toast.

Franchise Owners: Is Your Business eCommerce-Ready?

The QSR game has changed. It’s no longer just about flavor – it’s about function. Here’s what modern franchise investors and food entrepreneurs need to prioritize:

• Mobile-optimized websites that load in a blink
• Click-to-order menus powered by intuitive UX
• Integration with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub
• Loyalty programs tied to mobile apps
• Real-time inventory and order tracking
• Franchise digital transformation dashboards

In short, it’s time to stop thinking like a diner and start thinking like a digital-first brand.

What Webiators Brings to the Table

At Webiators, we’re not just eCommerce developers – we’re your growth partners in the fast lane. Whether you’re a local chain with 5 locations or a national franchise scaling to 500, we build platforms that do more than take orders. We build systems that drive conversions, boost loyalty, and scale effortlessly.

Our QSR & restaurant solutions include:

• Magento & Shopify development tailored for food brands
• Fully-integrated online ordering systems
• Custom-built restaurant apps
• Local SEO & franchise marketing campaigns
• Loyalty platform integrations

We’ve worked with brands across the globe to digitally future-proof their restaurant operations. Because in the age of hot chicken and hotter tech, you need more than a POS system. You need a partner that understands where eCommerce is heading.

Finger-Lickin’ Facts You Need to Know

1. Dave’s Hot Chicken started with just $900.

In 2017, the founders used $900 to set up a pop-up in an East Hollywood parking lot. Today, the brand is worth over $1 billion. Talk about ROI!

2. Dave’s is one of America’s fastest-growing restaurant chains.

According to Technomic, Dave’s Hot Chicken was the fastest-growing restaurant chain in the U.S. in 2022, based on percentage increase in sales and units.

3. 60%+ of QSR customers in the U.S. now prefer mobile ordering.

A Statista survey shows that over 60% of Americans say mobile apps and websites are their go-to for food orders, especially among Gen Z and Millennials.

4. Roark Capital manages over $37 billion in assets.

This private equity giant holds stakes in more than 35 major food and franchise brands, making it one of the biggest forces in American dining.

5. Restaurants with integrated online ordering see 20–30% higher sales.

Per QSR Magazine, adding eCommerce features like mobile apps and digital payments leads to bigger average tickets and stronger brand loyalty.

6. Dave’s Hot Chicken is backed by celebrities.

Notably, Drake is an investor in the brand, bringing major pop culture clout to its growth and viral appeal.

7. The global food delivery market is projected to hit $500B+ by 2030.

According to Statista and McKinsey, the digital food economy is exploding—and brands not built for this future will get left behind.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Sleep on the Digital Shift

If a spicy little startup like Dave’s Hot Chicken can sizzle its way to a $1B valuation with the right mix of flavor and tech, so can your franchise. But only if you’re prepared to play the digital game right.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, now is the time to rethink your tech stack, redesign your customer journey, and revamp your restaurant’s online presence.

Ready to Heat Up Your Online Sales?

Let Webiators cook up a custom eCommerce solution for your food brand. From click-to-order websites to viral digital marketing services, we’ve got the tools, tech, and taste for success.

Contact us today to serve your customers faster, smarter, and spicier.

Now You Tell Us —

What do you think about Subway’s $1B move? Could your business be the next hot success story with the right tech?

Let us know in the comments or shoot us a message.

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