Opening Keynote / Monday / September 11, 2023 / 5:10 PM
Igniting Fandom: How Dave’s Hot Chicken Created an Authentic Following
Arman Oganesyan, co-founder of Dave’s Hot Chicken and Jim Bitticks, President and COO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, will discuss the marketing innovation and brand transformation of the humble parking lot pop-up to entering the metaverse. The strategic duo will explore how social media fuels explosive brand growth and showcase the synergy of marketing and operations, amplifying guest satisfaction. Leveraging an authentic following and cult-like fandom, the brand looks to the future, including stepping into the Metaverse, AI-driven order accuracy solutions, and streamlined kitchen technology, all with the consumer experience top of mind.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Jim Bitticks | President & COO | Dave's Hot Chicken
Jim Bitticks is the President and Chief Operating Officer for Dave’s Hot Chicken. He oversees the day-to-day operation of the company with direct oversight over operations, training, procurement, construction, and technology. Jim joined the Dave’s team when there were just four restaurants and has helped grow the brand to 150 locations across the U.S., Canada, and the Middle East. Prior to his current role, Jim was the Chief Restaurant Officer and EVP of Operations, Training, and Construction for Blaze Pizza, and oversaw the successful growth of that brand from two restaurants to three hundred seventy-two restaurants before making the move to Dave’s.
Arman Oganesyan | Co-Founder & CBO | Dave's Hot Chicken
Arman Oganesyan is one of the original founders of Dave's Hot Chicken. In early 2017, Arman and two childhood friends started Dave's Hot Chicken in a Hollywood parking lot. In less than a year's time, they opened their first brick and mortar location. Restaurants number two and three followed soon after. Today, there are 150 Dave's Hot Chicken restaurants open with many more coming soon. Prior to co-founding Dave's Hot Chicken, Arman was an aspiring actor and stand-up comedian.
