![Usher's Dave's Hot Chicken is located at 1447 Hwy 138 SE in Conyers.](https://www.gpb.org/sites/default/files/styles/flexheight/public/2024-08/screen_shot_2024-08-30_at_12.50.05_am.png?itok=m4qSMdtP)
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Cue 'Let It Burn': Usher opens Georgia's first Dave's Hot Chicken restaurant
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If you looked up in the sky around Exit 82 on !-20 Thursday, (you're welcome, distracted Conyers motorists!) — that drone show was courtesy of Georgia superstar Usher, owner of the state's first Dave's Hot Chicken franchise.
“Once I tried Dave’s Hot Chicken and spoke with the founders of the brand, I knew I wanted to be involved with the company," the entertainer explained in a press release.
"I'm excited to open Atlanta’s first Dave’s Hot Chicken and look forward to everyone from my hometown trying it."
As the thermostat climbed to 98 degrees, who knew hundreds would line up to welcome even more sizzle at Usher's new Dave's Hot Chicken?
Aug. 30 marks the official opening of the Atlanta Grammy winner's franchise location — ts first in Georgia — but what was billed as a "soft launch"/VIP reception last night literally drew blocks of people along Highway 138 in Conyers, wanting to be the first to try its tenders and sliders; ranging in heat from "no spice" to "reaper."
RELATED: Usher postpones Atlanta concerts, moves shows to December
For the record, the R&B singer was nowhere in sight. Usher's Past, Present, Future Tour —which was supposed to start in his hometown Aug. 14 — was delayed because of a neck injury. (Those Atlanta dates have been rescheduled to December). The multimillion-selling artist was back in front of audiences Aug. 20 in Washington, D.C. and is set to play one of his many sold-out shows tonight in Philadelphia.
![Usher's Dave's Hot Chicken is located at 1447 Hwy 138 SE in Conyers.](https://www.gpb.org/sites/default/files/styles/flexheight/public/2024-08/screen_shot_2024-08-30_at_12.50.05_am.png?itok=m4qSMdtP)
His Dave's Fried Chicken was beyond capacity, too.
"Hey, Usher draws a crowd," remarked Dave's media relations person Richard Bronshvag as he navigated through the tables of diners inside.
RELATED: Monday afternoon quarterback: GPB talks all things Usher after the big game
"We are so blessed and humbled to begin our footprint in Georgia with one of its entertainment icons," added Lawrence Kourie, co-owner of the restaurant. "We love the Conyers people. They have already been so receptive and so kind."
And that was before Dave's opened its doors in this state, welcomed all comers around the space ship in front of the store, had them dancing to DJ Blaxx and his heavy-on-Usher playlist, and for a finale, a soaring, musical drone show.
Finally, something cool.
![On the menu at Dave's Hot Chicken were fries, tenders and sliders ranging in seven degrees of heat - "No spice" to "Reaper".](https://www.gpb.org/sites/default/files/styles/flexheight/public/2024-08/daves_hot_chicken_sandwich_thumbnail_img_0149.jpg?itok=rpFylIVu)
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