Shout-Out Q&A: Jim Bitticks, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken
This week’s shout-out goes to Jim Bitticks, who was just promoted to CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken and, yes, we’re taking partial credit.
Because, let’s be honest… appearing on The Hospitality Hangout is basically a fast track to the corner office. 😉
Jim’s journey is the kind of hospitality story we love to celebrate. From working at Jack in the Box at 15 (and not fully understanding what a franchise was) to leading one of the hottest restaurant brands on the planet, his career is a masterclass in hustle, curiosity, and saying “yes” to opportunity.
When Jim joined us, the conversation bounced effortlessly between billion-dollar growth, psychic career advice (shout-out to Joyce 🃏), pop-up tents in parking lots, and why medium is the correct spice level for first-timers. It was classic Jim: sharp, self-aware, and endlessly entertaining—with just enough humility to remind everyone that no success is ever truly overnight.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has become a global phenomenon thanks to intentional simplicity, authentic branding, and leaders like Jim who understand both the art and science of scaling hospitality. From parking lot pop-ups to Harvard Business School case studies, this is what happens when grit meets vision.
Jim, congrats on the well-deserved promotion. We couldn’t be prouder… and we’ll see you back on the pod when you’re ready for your next promotion!
🔥 Shout-Out Q&A: Jim Bitticks, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken
How did you get your start in hospitality?
“At 15 years old… mopping floors at Jack in the Box and asking way too many questions. Including, “Wait, who owns this place?” (Spoiler: not Jack.)”
First job in the industry?
“Jack in the Box. Franchise location. I learned what a franchise was after I learned how to clean it.”
Biggest “I can’t believe this is happening” moment in your career?
“Helping grow Dave’s Hot Chicken from a parking-lot pop-up into a billion-dollar brand… and then getting promoted to CEO. Also realizing my psychic was right.”
What prepared you most for becoming CEO?
“Hard work, luck, incredible founders, great mentors… and obviously being a two-time guest on The Hospitality Hangout. Coincidence? I think not.”
Describe Dave’s Hot Chicken in three words.
“Hot. Hustle. Intentional.”
What’s one thing people don’t realize about scaling a restaurant brand?
“Simple is hard. Scalable is harder. And replicable is a word I still struggle to pronounce.”
Medium, hot, or Reaper?
“Medium. Always medium. Don’t try to impress anyone with the Reaper. It’s not worth it.”
Favorite part of the job today?
“The people. Watching team members grow from crew to leadership never gets old.”
Best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Be patient, do things the right way, and when in doubt… call your mom’s psychic.”
One thing you’ll never forget from The Hospitality Hangout podcast?
“Being called every version of my name imaginable—Jim, Jimmy, James, Dave—and somehow still agreeing to come back.”
What’s next for Dave’s Hot Chicken?
“More growth, more opportunity, and continuing to build something that stays authentic no matter how big it gets.”
Final thought?
“Hospitality is a real career. I’m living proof… and I’m just getting started.”
