In a column for The Sunflower, a student reporter breaks down the local phenomenon of Dave’s Hot Chicken’s expansion into Wichita, where massive crowds have pushed wait times past the one-hour mark during fall break.
One-Hour Lines and Stiff Prices
The line stretched straight out the door. Seeing the queue, the reporter initially estimated the wait time at about 30 minutes, but was mistaken. The wait to reach the counter took just over an hour.
At the register, the reporter ordered a #1 combo, which consisted of two tenders, two pieces of bread, and fries. Using the app to secure a free slider, the reporter also added a drink, bringing the overall total to $16 and some change. The reporter noted that the drink not coming with the meal is a ripoff.
A Mixed Verdict on Kitchen Execution
When the food finally arrived, the quality proved uneven. The fries came out well-seasoned and flavorful, but they were served lukewarm, likely due to sitting in the kitchen before being plated. Despite the temperature issue, they were crispy and required no sauce.
The signature tenders offered fresh textures, though the reviewer noted a distinct grittiness originating from the spice rub. On the other hand, the slider emerged as the undeniable standout of the meal. The pickles successfully mitigated the heat of the “hot” spice level, while the signature Dave’s Sauce added necessary flavor to the dish.
Mapping the Heat Spectrum
To properly gauge the establishment’s range, the reporter tested multiple spice tiers alongside a companion:
- Medium: Recommended as the baseline for those looking to enjoy the flavor without overwhelming heat.
- Hot: Used on the slider, the reporter found this level manageable but intense.
- Extra Hot: Tested by a companion, this level caused immediate physical reactions, including watery eyes and a temporary loss of taste and sensation.
Weighing Cost Against Convenience
For first-time visitors trying to navigate the menu, the reporter advises sticking to the “medium” spice level to experience the profile without enduring extreme intensity.
Ultimately, the reviewer argues that the combination of high prices and long wait times makes the experience difficult to justify for regular dining—concluding definitively that the meal is simply not worth waiting an hour or more to eat. I think I’d go a lot if I could get a meal and a drink for somewhere in the $10-12 range, but instead I’ll have to make it a special occasion spot, so I don’t go broke,
the reporter wrote.
Worth a look