Plan Commission clears way for Dave’s Hot Chicken

Plans for a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise at the former location of the Charcoal Grill in Grafton were approved by the Plan Commission last week and the developer plans to start construction next month.

The 2,509-square-foot building that is expected to be complete by October will share the 1.88-acre property at the intersection of Highway 60 and Port Washington Road with a Chase Bank that is currently under construction.

Dave’s requested signage — totaling 293 square feet, almost quadruple the village’s maximum of 80 feet — was cut down to 93 by the commission.

Community Development Director Jessica Wolff said the proposed signage was “excessive” and did not follow “the spirit of the code.”

Commission member Jim Brunnquell agreed, adding the proposed signs were unnecessary considering people will be driving on Highway 60 or Port Washington Road, not I-43, to find Dave’s.

Ten employees will work each of the restaurant’s three shifts. There will be deliveries by semi-truck twice a week.

The restaurant is expected to generate 100 trips by customers a day.

Dave’s is a worldwide chain that has rapidly expanded through franchises since beginning in Los Angeles in 2017. According to press reports, Dave’s had 169 U.S. locations at the end of 2023 with plans to have 275 by the end of last year, with 950 restaurants in development.

A parking lot and trash enclosure will be shared with Chase Bank.