How I Built This with Guy Raz Dave’s Hot Chicken: Arman Oganesyan
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Jun 10, 2024 
Arman Oganesyan, co-founder of Dave's Hot Chicken, shares the spicy journey from a humble pop-up in East Hollywood to a thriving chain of 200 stores. He humorously recounts the launch mishap of tossing cash and how strategic marketing and product quality fueled their success. Topics include the challenges of launching with minimal equipment, the excitement of celebrity influence on their franchising, and the delicate balance of skill and luck in the culinary world, all while dishing out fun anecdotes from their chicken adventure.
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From Acting to Vines
- Arman dropped out of high school to pursue acting but transitioned to comedy after limited success.
- He found a niche creating popular Armenian superhero Vine videos.
Howlin' Ray's Inspiration
- Inspired by Howlin' Ray's hot chicken, Arman saw the potential of a simplified menu with high quality.
- He observed long lines didn't always equate to good restaurant operations.
Recipe Experimentation
- Arman and Dave experimented with chicken recipes daily, incorporating feedback from friends and family.
- An accidental brine using pickle juice led to a breakthrough in their recipe.