Sizzlin’ hot: Arman Oganesyan on building Dave's Hot Chicken

from Business Innovators UnPlugged · host Darius Derakshan

Host Anna Magzanyan sits down with Arman Oganesyan, co-founder of Dave’s Hot Chicken. He and a few friends launched the brand with just $900 and a pop-up in a Hollywood parking lot. They sold the business last year for $1 billion and distributed $1 million each to more than a dozen employees. We get into how it all unfolded, how a glowing restaurant review almost derailed everything, and why they believe Los Angeles was the only place this story could have taken off. If you love a good underdog story —and spicy chicken — you’ll want to hear this one. photos provided by Dave's Hot Chicken How does becoming a billionaire overnight change a person? How is the next music superstar discovered? And for a pick-me-up, how about a fusion energy drink?Join LA Times Studios President Anna Magzanyan on "Business Innovators UnPlugged," a weekly podcast that goes beyond the headlines. From Fortune 500 CEOs to rising leaders in fashion, tech and real estate, each episode explores the decisions, risks and turning points that shape innovators and the worlds they’re building.

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This episode was published on February 24, 2026.

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