Former NBA Star Is Building a Fried Chicken Empire in Minnesota

A former NBA player traded the hardwood for the fryer, and the crispy, spicy results are turning heads. Picture a dinner line stretching out the door, everyone waiting on tenders that arrive golden, juicy, and packed with heat.

Each order comes with a spice level to match your bravery, from gentle warmth to the kind of fire that demands a large drink. Nobody leaves without a story about how far they pushed it.

Athletes know how to hustle, and that drive shows up in how fast this brand is growing. New locations keep popping up, and fans of the chicken keep finding reasons to come back. A big-name owner might start the buzz, but the flavor keeps it going.

Cold winters make comfort food hit even harder. Minnesota diners have started planning their week around a hot, crunchy basket, and this newest arrival makes it easy to see why.

Finding Heat in the North Loop

My favorite part of the trip might have been the neighborhood itself. The North Loop is one of the coolest corners of Minneapolis, packed with old brick warehouses that now hold shops, offices, and busy restaurants.

Dave’s fits right in. The block has a lively, walkable feel, and the smell of fried chicken drifting onto the sidewalk is a pretty strong invitation. Good luck walking past without peeking inside.

Plan a short stroll before or after your meal. Target Field is close by, so game days bring an extra wave of fans looking for something hot and filling. The Mississippi riverfront is also within easy walking distance, which makes a great spot to shake off a spicy lunch.

Locals seem to treat this spot as an easy go-to for quick bites between errands. Travelers get the bonus of seeing a stylish part of the city while grabbing a meal that feels casual and fun. It is a win on both sides.

A Basketball Name Bets Big on Hot Chicken

Here is a fun twist I did not expect. The same brand that began with a few friends frying chicken in an East Hollywood parking lot now has pro athletes and celebrities cheering it on, and Minnesota’s growth is tied to a former NBA player Kris Humphries turned business builder.

That link gives the local rollout a little extra buzz. Basketball fans already know how much Minneapolis loves its hoops, so seeing a hardwood name help bring spicy tenders to town feels like a natural fit. Think of it as a new kind of home team.

The plan is simple and bold. Open more locations, keep the recipe the same, and let the crunchy chicken do the talking. The North Loop shop shows that plan in action, with steady crowds from lunch to late night.

For visitors, the story adds a bit of flavor before the food even arrives. Ask around town, and many people already have a favorite spice level ready to recommend.

A Building With Real Character

Brick walls. Big windows. Bold color everywhere. The space grabbed my attention right away, and it is easy to see why guests call the building sweet.

Dave’s locations are known for bright street-art style murals and loud red touches, and the North Loop spot mixes that look with the warehouse charm of the area. The result feels playful without being messy. It is the kind of room that makes a quick lunch feel like a small event.

Cleanliness stands out too. Tables get wiped fast, the counter area stays tidy, and the whole room has a fresh, cared-for feel even during a rush. That matters when you are about to get chicken spice on your fingers.

Grab a seat near the windows if you can. Watching the neighborhood roll by while your tongue slowly warms up is a small joy. Bring a friend, snap a photo by the art, and enjoy a room that clearly was built for good times.

Smiles Behind the Counter

Kindness was the surprise hit of my visit. The crew here has a reputation for being warm, patient, and genuinely helpful, and it shows the moment you step up to order.

Guests often mention team members by name, like Tianna, Angie, Talaeh, Jessica, Anahi, and Joshua, which says plenty. People do not remember names unless someone made them feel good.

The staff explains the menu clearly, checks orders for accuracy, and keeps things moving even during the late-night rush.

First-timers should lean on that help. Ask which heat level fits your comfort zone, or whether a slider or tender makes more sense for your appetite. You will get honest, friendly advice without any pressure.

One sweet story involves staff sorting through wrapped toy figures to help a guest finish a collection. Small moments like that turn a fast meal into a happy memory. It is hospitality that feels natural, not scripted, and it keeps people coming back.

Choosing How Brave to Be

Spice levels here are part game, part personal challenge. The range starts at no spice and climbs through mild, medium, hot, and extra hot, with a famously fiery Reaper level at the top that asks for a signed waiver.

Start low if you are unsure. Plenty of guests say medium packs more kick than they expected, while others who love heat find hot or extra hot pleasantly bold rather than painful. Your mouth, your rules.

A smart trick is ordering two different levels in one meal. Try a mild slider next to a hot tender and compare. You will learn your sweet spot fast, and you will not ruin the whole lunch if one level is too much.

Keep a drink and the pickles close. That tangy crunch cools things down between bites and brightens the seasoning. Also, grab a packet of Dave’s sauce, since creamy dunks make every heat level taste a little richer and a lot more fun.

Sliders, Tenders and the Sides That Steal the Show

Let me keep this simple. The menu is short, and that is a good thing, because everything on it gets full attention.

Sliders are the star for many visitors. A crispy, juicy tender sits on a soft bun with cool slaw, pickles, and Dave’s sauce, and that mix of crunch, cream, and heat just works. Tenders are big and satisfying for anyone who likes to dip and snack.

Sides deserve real love too. Creamy mac and cheese makes a great partner for spicy chicken, while crinkle fries bring salty comfort. Cheese fries and kale slaw round out the choices.

A handy plan for first visits is the two slider combo with fries. It gives a full taste of the place without overthinking anything. Hungry groups can mix tenders and sliders and share sides.

Just be warned. Leaving an empty box is pretty much standard practice here, so order a little extra if friends are watching.

When the City Gets Hungry After Dark

Night owls, this one is for you. The North Loop location stays open until 11 pm most days and keeps the fryers going until 2 am on Friday and Saturday nights.

That is a rare treat in Minneapolis, where plenty of kitchens close early. After a concert, a Twins game, or a long shift, few things beat a warm basket of crispy chicken. It hits differently at midnight. Trust me.

The late crowd brings a fun, buzzing energy. Groups laugh over shared tenders, delivery drivers zip in and out, and the staff juggles it all with impressive calm. Guests often praise how well the team multitasks during those busy hours.

Mornings are easier too, since doors open at 10:30 am every day. An early lunch is a great way to skip crowds and grab a quiet table. Whether you are an early bird or a late-night snacker, the schedule makes it easy to fit a visit into almost any travel day.

Getting There Without the Stress

Quick travel tip from me. Parking near the restaurant can get tight, especially around noon on weekdays and during weekend evenings.

The spot sits on a small side street where delivery drivers often pull up for quick pickups. That can slow traffic for a minute or two, so a little patience goes a long way. The good news is that nearby lots and ramps usually mean only a short walk.

Walking or biking is an even better choice if you are staying downtown. The North Loop is very pedestrian-friendly, and light rail stops near Target Field put you within easy reach. You get a bit of sightseeing on the way, plus extra room for fries.

Rideshare drop-offs work well too. Just ask to be let out on Washington Avenue and stroll the final steps. Arriving calm and hungry is the ideal way to start this meal.

Stress and spicy chicken do not mix, so plan ahead and enjoy the ride.

Little Surprises Beyond the Chicken

Fun extras make this place feel playful. Shakes are a big part of that, and the Fruity Pebbles version gets happy shout-outs for being sweet, colorful, and a great way to cool down after hot tenders.

Dave’s also runs creative promotions from time to time. One recent example was an X-Men 97 themed meal that came with collectible figures, and fans made repeat trips trying to complete the full set. Kids loved it. Grown-ups did too, honestly.

Keep an eye on the brand’s app or website before your visit. Limited-time deals, special menu items, and themed meals pop up often, and catching one adds a bit of excitement to an ordinary lunch.

Families will find plenty to enjoy here. A no-spice option keeps little ones happy, while shakes and fries make it feel like a treat. For travelers, these small surprises turn a quick stop into a story worth sharing back home.

Planning Your Own Spicy Stop

Ready for your turn? A little planning makes the visit smooth and extra tasty.

Go at off-peak times, like mid-afternoon on a weekday, for shorter lines and your pick of seats. Order online through the app for quick pickup if you are short on time. Delivery works great too, and many people say the chicken stays juicy and crisp on the way home.

Bring an open mind and a friend who likes to share. Swapping bites of different heat levels is half the fun, and it helps everyone find a favorite. Save room for a shake if the spice gets bold.

Most of all, soak up the friendly vibe and the North Loop scenery around it. This spot shows why Minnesota’s hot chicken growth is catching fire. You can find Dave’s Hot Chicken at 548 N Washington Ave Ste 221, Minneapolis, MN 55401.